BMC Demolishes Unauthorised Structures at HR College in Mumbai

The BMC's A ward in South Mumbai took action against HR College in Churchgate on Saturday, demolishing unauthorised portions of the college premises. The civic body concluded that the college management failed to produce valid permissions or approved building plans for the structures.

The action followed a notice issued under Section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act on July 31, 2024. In its reply submitted on August 6, 2024, the college authorities did not establish the legality of the constructions. They failed to furnish approved plans or permissions from the competent MCGM authority, the Executive Engineer (Building Proposals), city.

Civic officials stated that a speaking order was passed in August 2024, after which the college applied twice to regularise the unauthorised portions. Both applications were rejected. The speaking order dated August 26, 2024, declared several structures on the college premises illegal and liable for demolition and prosecution under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.

The order lists a permanent shed at the terrace level measuring around 11.73 metres by 19.34 metres, constructed using asbestos sheets and MS pipes; rooms built on mid-landing areas from the ground floor to the fifth floor using brick masonry; and two mezzanine floors installed with MS channels and ladders — one inside the library on the first floor and another below the registrar’s room on the ground floor — as unauthorised constructions.

A fresh notice was served on the college about a week ago, following which the demolition action was carried out. M Assistant Municipal Commissioner of A ward, Jaydip More, said the civic body had given the college adequate time considering it was an educational institution. “As it was an educational institute, sufficient time was given to the authorities to first regularise it and also demolish the illegal portions themselves. When they didn’t act, we moved to take action on February 14,” said More, adding that the illegal portions included extra rooms near staircase landings from the ground to the fifth floor, a mezzanine floor in the library, and terrace sheds.

HR College authorities expressed shock at the BMC's actions, stating that officials arrived at the campus at 12:30 PM on Saturday while the HSC examinations were underway. They called the action a “deliberate attack” on the college. “We know that these structures are 30/35 years old. As we don’t have a ground, the college has covered the terrace so that students can carry out their activities. We also have some rooms in the mid-landing areas,” an official said.

The college was in the process of regularising the structures. They were not given a 48-hour notice before the demolition. Referring to the BMC’s August 2024 notice, the college stated it had submitted the required documents except for the approved plan and CFO survey. “When we asked the BMC for the approved plans, as we don't have them, we were told that even the BMC did not have them,” the source said.

The demolition has raised concerns about the impact on the college's operations and the well-being of its students and staff. The college authorities are now seeking legal recourse and are in discussions with the BMC to address the situation.