BMC loses over 400 files containing construction information
Over 400 files were missing related to construction projects in the city. Most of these files relate to controversial projects which came to light after some activists and people investigating illegalities sought them under the Right To Information Act.
Some months after filing their applications, they received replies saying the files could not be found.
The citizens and activists complained to the civic body chief Sitaram Kunte and he said that the officers who were in charge of those missing files be booked under the Maharashtra Public Record Act of 2005.
Officers responsible for the missing documents can be sent to prison for five years or fined Rs 10,000 or both, according to Section 9 of the Maharashtra Public Records Act.
Oshiwara Lokhandwala Citizens’ Association (OLCA) and Save Open Spaces (SOS), a non-profit organisation were among those who affected by the missing files. They were having information about 100 under-construction and completed buildings in Oshiwara, Juhu and Andheri, including 11 in the last three months. The organisations gave 30 days time to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for submitting the files but after the time period lapsed they approached BMC, they informed the files were missing.
Both OLCA and SOS are suspecting that the officials are involved with the real estate developers. Chairperson of 33rd Road Khar ALM, Aftab Siddique said that she has also found some files missing. Recently, Siddique approached Kunte with the details of the missing files and asked to take action against the officials responsible for the missing files.
Kunte has now ordered a detailed investigation over the missing files and had asked the Building Proposal Department to identify the officials who were handling the files. He also ordered that cases be filed against them in police stations at the ward office level.
BMC chief Sitaram Kunte, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Citizens of Mumbai, Missing files in BMC department, missing files on controversial construction projects, Mumbai, municipal corporation in India, Projects in Mumbai, Real estate developers in India
