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Mumbai: The BMC has served notices to unauthorised constructions in Versova, Malad, and Gorai based on forged city title survey (CTS) maps since last month.

However, Gorai and Vesava villagers have demanded a halt to demolitions and re-verification of documents for their structures built on private land post-1962. Claiming to be “sons of the soil,” they seek protection for their properties.

During a survey of over 800 CTS maps, the BMC identified 165 forged structures across Versova in Andheri, Erangal, Madh, Kurar in Malad, Kandivali, and Borivali.

Notices were issued, and occupants were asked to submit documents proving legality. In May, the BMC’s P North ward demolished 44 illegal structures. However, long-time residents alleged that the villagers who have lived in the area for decades also received notices.

The villagers of Gorai recently held a protest outside the R Central Ward office in Borivali

Switsy Henriques, president of the Gorai Villagers Welfare Association, explained that the "1962-1963 BMC Datum" refers to a benchmark date used by the BMC to determine the legality of structures in Mumbai.

Constructions prior to this date are generally considered tolerated. However, with population growth after 1962, many locals built new houses or extended existing ones to accommodate their families often while regularly paying taxes to the civic body.

“We are sons of the soil, and these private lands belong to our forefathers,” said Henriques. “Our elected representatives have assured us they will raise our concerns in the Assembly session. Since we fall under the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone), we do not receive building permissions from the BMC. We have demanded that a clear policy be introduced in the upcoming session," she added.

Rajhans Tapke, Trustee of the Vesava Koli Jamat Trust, said, “Around 34 residents from Vesava village have received notices. While illegal structures should be demolished, the authorities should not harass genuine local residents. We have submitted a letter to the BMC’s K West ward as well as to the state government, seeking intervention."

However, a senior civic official clarified, “Notices have been issued only to unauthorised structures in areas where survey maps were found to be forged, and where there is no evidence of construction prior to 1962. Notices have not been given to old Gaothan areas, but mainly to commercial structures."

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