Demolition threat looms over Ulhasnagar’s largest commercial complex

Ulhasnagar: One of the largest commercial complexes in Ulhasnagar is facing the threat of demolition after the Town Planning Department raised serious objections over large-scale alleged illegal construction within the premises, reports Pradeep Gupta.

The Town Planning Department of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has issued a notice to the developer of Regency Plaza, a prominent commercial complex in the city, citing nearly 31,000 square feet of unauthorized construction along with several structural and regulatory irregularities in the building.

According to the notice, Town Planner Vikas Birari has given the developer Sunder Developers seven days to submit an explanation regarding the alleged illegal construction. Authorities have warned that if a satisfactory response is not received within the stipulated period, demolition action may be initiated against the unauthorized portions of the complex.

In the order, the Town Planning Department has also directed that the developer must not use the disputed illegal area during this period. Additionally, the ward officer of the municipal corporation has been instructed to seal the concerned portion of the complex until further orders.

Regency Plaza houses around 500 offices of several well-known companies, businesses and multiples banquets making it one of the busiest commercial hubs in Ulhasnagar. Following the issuance of the notice, panic and uncertainty have spread among office owners and employees operating from the complex, who fear the impact of possible civic action.

The issue reportedly came to light after social activist Swapnil Patil received information about large-scale additional illegal construction within the commercial complex.

Patil subsequently filed a complaint with the UMC's Town Planning Department.

Acting on the complaint, the department earlier issued a notice to the developer directing them to demolish the illegal construction. Municipal officials had also carried out partial demolition of the unauthorized structure. However, it is alleged that the developer later reconstructed and began using the demolished illegal portion again.

Meanwhile, the developer had applied for approval of a revised building proposal in an attempt to regularize the illegal construction. However, during scrutiny of the application, the Town Planning Department reportedly found several discrepancies and deficiencies in the proposed building plan submitted by the developer.

Officials stated that the proposal did not comply with Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) norms, particularly with regard to adequate parking provisions required for the building. Several other irregularities were also identified in the proposal.

As a result, the Town Planning Department rejected the revised building proposal and ordered the demolition of the illegal construction carried out in the complex.

Speaking on the issue, activist Swapnil Patil said that Ulhasnagar is already struggling with the consequences of rampant illegal constructions, which have led to narrow roads and severe congestion, forcing many residents to leave the city.

He further stated that while developers are expected to carry out construction in accordance with legal norms, some continue to violate regulations, damaging the city's image. Patil added that strict action against such illegal structures is necessary to deter others and prevent further unauthorized construction in the city.