Kalina Residents Accuse H/East Ward Officer Of Disobeying BMC Commissioner's Directions, Highlight Failure To Act Upon MRTP Notice Even After 15 Months

Residents of Kalina, a residential society in Mumbai's Santacruz East area, have accused the H/East ward officer of ignoring directions from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner to address unauthorised construction violations. Despite a formal notice issued by the BMC in May 2025 under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, which cited several infractions, the assistant municipal commissioner (AMC) of H/East ward, Mrudula Ande, has failed to enforce the notice for over 15 months.

The violations include an unapproved lobby in A-wing blocking parking spaces, unauthorised reduction of the lobby size in B-wing and the creation of illegal parking slots within mandatory open spaces. Additionally, storage areas and access to staircases were compromised due to unauthorised construction. Following the expiration of the notice period, affected residents, through the Voice of Kalina, contacted the BMC but alleged that no action was taken.

The deputy municipal commissioner of Zone-3 subsequently requested a status report on the matter, but there was no response from the AMC. In response to the prolonged inaction, the BMC commissioner issued a directive for the AMC to take immediate action and submit a compliance report within three weeks, which also elapsed without any progress.

Activists have demanded the demolition of the illegal structures and accountability for the officers responsible for the delay, citing the impact on fire safety and structural integrity.