In a decisive move to tackle unauthorised constructions and uphold lawful urban development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen enforcement in areas under its Special Planning Authority (SPA) jurisdiction.
Designated Officers Empowered Under MRTP Act
“By strengthening our enforcement mechanisms, we aim to preserve the integrity of the urban landscape and ensure that development happens strictly within legal parameters,” a senior MMRDA official said.
Designated officers have been appointed under Section 53 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, with powers to take timely and lawful action against unauthorized developments. These officers will follow a structured SOP to ensure transparent and legally sound enforcement.
Meanwhile MMRDA holds enforcement rights across most of the zones in MMR, but development permissions in the extended areas of Palghar and Alibaug will continue to be granted by the respective District Collectors until their Development Plans are finalized. As such, enforcement in these two zones also falls under the jurisdiction of the respective collectors.
This initiative aim to ensure that enforcement actions are not only swift but also fair and transparent. Legal proceedings under Sections 52 to 56 of the MRTP Act will be initiated against violators, and each case will be processed in a time-bound manner with thorough documentation and hearings.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Illegal Construction
Infact, MMRDA has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal construction. Wherein Officials have been directed to act Swiftly, Decisively,Within the legal framework and With complete transparency
The move is expected to bring much-needed discipline in rapidly urbanising pockets of the MMR, while reinforcing the importance of planned and legal development.
Key Areas Under MMRDA’s SPA Jurisdiction
Ambarnath, Kulgaon-Badlapur and Surrounding Notified Area (AKBSNA)
Bhiwandi Surrounding Notified Area (BSNA)
Kalyan Growth Centre
Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)
Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) International Airport Notified Area (CSMIANA)
Oshiware District Centre (ODC)
Wadala Notified Area
Extended MMR Area in Palghar
Extended MMR Area in Alibaug
The SOP rolled out by MMRDA includes:
Fair issuance of notices
Due process adherence
Issuance of appealable orders
Strict compliance with judicial directives
