Crackdown on illegal religious structures puts PMC in a spot

The action taken by the civic administration against a religious structure in Parvati area had angered the elected representatives. Corporators alleged that the civic staff did not take local residents into confidence before initiating action. “The way the action was carried out hurt religious sentiment of locals and a repeat of such action might create a law and order situation,” they said in the general body meeting.

City Engineer Prashant Waghmare said the civic administration had adhered to rules while taking action.

“We are conducting a survey of illegal religious structures that have come up in the city in the last few years. An action plan to implement the HC order is being worked out,” said Madhav Jagtap, who heads the anti-encroachment department of the PMC. However, civic action would be possible only if there is enough police protection for the civic staff during the drive, he added.

The earlier survey was in 2012 and action was taken against a few illegal religious structures, he said adding, “The PMC plan would include action against illegal religious structures on the property owned by the civic body. It cannot take action on those that have come up on land owned by the railways, forest, defence or any other government department.”

As per the 2012 survey, there were 945 illegal religious structure in PMC area. Most of the structures were constructed on roads or footpaths. Around 78 illegal religious structures were on land owned by MHADA and 28 were on land belonging to the railway ministry.