NASHIK: Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde informed the state legislature on Tuesday that 46,389 properties in Nashik city are currently occupied without authorization and are subject to penalties.
In response to a starred question posed by MLC Prasad Lad and others during the monsoon session, Shinde stated that the Nashik Municipal Corporation has registered a total of 600,000 properties. A significant number are being utilized without the necessary building completion and occupancy certificates.
He explained that actions have been initiated against these properties under Section 267(A) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, as well as following the Urban Development Department’s government resolution dated January 11, 2017, and a directive issued on February 28, 2017. The civic body has also implemented measures under Order 233 dated February 8, 2019.
Currently, all 46,389 identified properties under unauthorized occupancy are now subject to penal property taxation, according to Shinde.
In addition to penalties, the civic body is imposing compounding charges on buildings utilized prior to obtaining occupancy certificates, in line with the town planning department’s office order from June 15, 2010.
Detailing the penalty framework, Shinde mentioned that residential units incur a fine of Rs 1,500, non-residential or commercial establishments face Rs 3,000, and large constructions such as marriage halls, theaters, and hospitals are fined Rs 30,000. The penalties collected are directed to the municipal treasury.
The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that occupancy certificates will only be issued after any violations are rectified and all prescribed penalties and compounding charges are settled. “The civic administration is strictly enforcing laws and government directives regarding unauthorized building use,” he stated.
Officials noted that this crackdown is part of broader initiatives aimed at ensuring adherence to building regulations and enhancing urban development oversight in Nashik.
