Nagpur High Court Slams NMC Over Slow Demolition of Poonam Towers and Chambers
The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the sluggish pace of demolition at Poonam Towers and Poonam Chambers. On Monday, the court directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to ensure strict supervision and remove all unauthorised constructions within the stipulated deadlines.
Court's Stern Warning and Observations
During the hearing before a division bench of Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta, the court noted that instead of submitting a detailed progress report, the petitioners filed only photographs. The bench observed that compliance with its earlier directives was not satisfactorily demonstrated and recorded that the pace of demolition was "extremely slow."
The demolition was undertaken pursuant to earlier court orders, with Nandkumar Khattumal Harchandani, known as N Kumar, assuring the court that the illegal portions would be removed. However, the court's frustration was evident as it reviewed the minimal progress made so far.
Extent of Unauthorised Construction and Demolition Progress
According to an affidavit filed by NMC, only 22 square meters of unauthorised construction in Poonam Towers and 300 square meters in Poonam Chambers have been removed to date. This represents a tiny fraction of the total illegal structures that need to be demolished.
The remaining unauthorised construction is substantial:
- In Poonam Chambers, approximately 2,600 square meters on the seventh floor, including excess height violations, remains untouched.
- In Poonam Towers, about 1,300 square meters spanning the basement, first to eighth floors, and an additional service floor is yet to be demolished.
Court Deadlines and Final Opportunity
The court reiterated that the illegal construction in Poonam Towers must be removed by April 10, and in Poonam Chambers by March 31. Even counsel for the municipal corporation conceded that progress was not satisfactory, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Granting a final opportunity to the petitioners, the bench ordered the civic body to deploy personnel on site and ensure timely completion of demolition. The court emphasized the need for strict supervision to prevent further delays.
Next Steps and Future Hearing
The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 4, where the NMC will be expected to demonstrate significant progress. The court's directive serves as a stern warning to the municipal corporation to expedite the demolition process and adhere to the established timelines.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing building regulations and the judiciary's role in ensuring compliance with urban development laws. The Nagpur High Court's intervention underscores the importance of timely action against illegal constructions to maintain urban planning integrity.
