Mumbai: pic-n-expose building violations

BMC likely to launch online system to help citizens lodge complaints about illegal constructions. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is likely to launch an online system to help

citizens file complaints about unauthorised constructions in the city. Sources in the civic administration said the tracking program is expected to be in place in January. The system,

similar to BMC’s pothole-tracking mechanism, will enable android phone users to lodge complaints by uploading photographs of illegal portions in a building. Officials are giving final

touches to the system, application of which will be made available on www.voiceofcitizen.com. According to an affidavit filed by the corporation before the Supreme Court in July, there are a

total of 56,152 illegal structures in the city, with maximum instances of violations reported from K-E (5235), from Jogeshwari (east) to Vile Parle (east), K-W (6458) – from Jogeshwari (w)

to Parle (w) and P-North (5432), which has jurisdiction over Malad (east and west). So far this year, officials have found 3161 illegal structures in the city. The move is likely to

encourage more citizens to come forward and report violations as most of them fear approaching local ward officials, who are often accused of conniving with unscrupulous parties.  Once in

place, BMC will be the first corporation in the country to have a such a plan to tackle grievances related to illegal structures.   Besides documenting complaints pertaining to illegalities,

ranging from minor alterations inside a house to gross violations of floor space index, BMC will be able to compile data regarding types of notices served and cases where a stay has been

obtained by a developer/contractor. “The BMC has been mulling to launch the programme for the past few months. But the same could not happen for want of funds. Now the finance hurdle has

been cleared to put the work on fast track,” said a source in the removal of encroachment department said. Civic chief Sitaram Kunte refused to divulge details, but added, “Work on the

system is in the final stages.” While activists have welcomed the system, they said the corporation must ensure safety of whistle-blowers/complainants. Besides, the system that allows people

to lodge complaints offline should continue as not everybody is an Android phone user, they said. “BMC must also fix a stipulated time frame within which a complaint will be looked into. Or

else, an accused will be able to procure a stay from courts to stop demolition,” said Harishchandra Pandey, a civic activist. HOW THE ONLINE SYSTEM WILL WORK A complainant will have to

download an application, which will be free, from BMC’s portal www.voiceofcitizen.com. Once the application is downloaded he/she will be able to photographs of illegal constructions and

upload them on the portal. The complaint will be attended by officials concerned within a stipulated time frame. An official will have to submit his remark in the system. If a complaint

makes sense to him/her, then notice under relevant sections of MRTP Act and MMC Act, 1888 will be issued. Failing to attend a complaint will also mean penalty on officers concerned.