BMC officers to stem illegal bldgs

Mumbai: In order to control the proliferation of illegal constructions in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to appoint a designated officer in all 24 administrative wards.

The civic body hopes that the designated officers, who will have administrative powers, will be able to stem the increasing number of encroachments and unauthorised constructions. Initially, the officers holding post of junior engineer, assistant engineer and sub-engineer in the ward were in charge of looking into encroachments and illegal construction activities. However, according to BMC officials, it was observed that there was a limit to administrative action and direct action against encroachment and unauthorised construction.

Considering all these factors, the BMC took a policy decision to appoint a designated officer, ie the executive engineer in all the wards.

BMC chief Ajoy Mehta has instructed the assistant municipal commissioner of all wards to fill in the vacancy of executive engineer wherever the post is vacant. The ward officers have been directed to promote eligible junior level officers to fill in the posts or recruit a new person, as soon as possible.

According to civic officials, the officer will ensure proper coordination in dealing with encroachments and unauthorised extensions or constructions.