‘NMMC must inform people about risks of illegal bldgs’

GUARDIAN MINISTER ORDERS Tells civic officials to put up hoardings in city

CBD BELAPUR: State minister and Thane guardian minister, Ganesh Naik, has instructed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to start a campaign to create awareness about the perils of purchasing flats in illegally constructed structures.

Warning citizens of heavy financial losses, Naik also warned against buying illegally constructed houses during his weekly Janta Darbar at Vashi. The meeting was also attended by top officials of the civic body, police and City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco).

“One can see illegal structures coming up at several places in the city, which will lead to people being cheated on a large scale,” added Naik. “In this context, it is imperative that NMMC undertakes efforts to create awareness among people.”

Directing civic officials, the guardian minister said that it was necessary to drive home the point that flat purchasers should first check whether nec- essary permissions have been acquired for the construction, all licences received and the quality of construction.

“The purchaser should also check if the land on which the house has been constructed is encroached upon or illegally usurped,” said Naik. He stressed on the need to instill fear in the minds of people that illegal structures would be demolished by authorities.

To this effect, Naik instructed officials to put up hoardings and banners at prominent junctions, detailing the precautions that a buyer should take while purchasing a house.