141 Unauthorized Structures in Vasai-Virar to be Demolished Post-Ganpati Festival
Maharashtra Minister Ganesh Naik announces the planned demolition of 141 unauthorized buildings in the Vasai-Virar region after the Ganpati festival, following a tragic building collapse that claimed 17 lives.
Unauthorized BuildingsVasaivirarGanesh NaikBuilding CollapseRehabilitationReal Estate MaharashtraAug 31, 2025
He was speaking to reporters after visiting those affected by the building collapse in Virar East on Wednesday, which claimed 17 lives. The building had collapsed onto an adjacent vacant tenement at Vijay Nagar at 12.05 am that day.
“The incident is deeply unfortunate. It is the circumstances that force people to occupy such illegal buildings. In reality, we are paying the price for years of negligence, when such structures were allowed to come up unchecked,” he said.
A total of 141 unauthorized buildings have been identified across the Vasai-Virar region. After the Ganesh festival, all these structures will be demolished. I extend full support to the municipal commissioner to take strict action, Naik asserted.
The festival, among the most patronized in Maharashtra, started on Ganesh Chaturthi (August 27) and ends on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6).
On the issue of rehabilitation of residents currently living in these buildings, Naik stated he would raise the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde post the next cabinet meeting.
The minister also held a high-level review meeting with senior officials and elected representatives to assess the situation and chalk out a roadmap to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Among those present were District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar, Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Commissioner Manojkumar Suryavanshi, MP Hemant Savara as well as MLAs Sneha Pandit-Dubey and Rajan Naik.
Meanwhile, Pandit-Dubey said in a statement called for strict action against the officials allegedly protecting those indulging in unauthorized constructions.
“Illegal constructions that play with the lives of citizens will not be tolerated at all. The administration should take strict steps and ensure that such accidents do not happen again in the future,” she said.
The past and present municipal officials failed to act despite multiple warnings, the legislator said. She demanded the formation of special ward-wise teams to identify unauthorized constructions, quick action against guilty officials, among other things.
She alleged that there was a strong nexus between certain officers and the land or chawl mafia, and noted that without dismantling this network, such deadly constructions will continue to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the planned action regarding unauthorized buildings in Vasai-Virar?
A total of 141 unauthorized buildings identified in the Vasai-Virar region will be demolished after the Ganpati festival, as announced by Maharashtra Minister Ganesh Naik.
When will the demolition of unauthorized buildings take place?
The demolition of unauthorized buildings will take place after the end of the 10-day Ganpati festival, which concludes on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6).
What recent tragic event prompted this decision?
The decision was prompted by a building collapse in Virar East on Wednesday, which claimed 17 lives.
What steps will be taken for the rehabilitation of residents?
Minister Ganesh Naik has stated that he will raise the issue of rehabilitation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde post the next cabinet meeting.
What is MLA Sneha Pandit-Dubey's stance on unauthorized constructions?
MLA Sneha Pandit-Dubey has called for strict action against officials protecting unauthorized constructions and demanded the formation of special ward-wise teams to identify and act against such structures.
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