VASAI: The recent arrest of Y S Reddy, deputy director of the Vasai-Virar civic body’s town planning department, along with ex-commissioner Anil Pawar, in a money laundering scandal linked to alleged corruption and unauthorized construction, has led to unexpected consequences. The backlog of building project approvals has soared due to a staffing shortage, resulting in significant revenue losses. Following the arrests, one of the two remaining officials in the department took leave and has not returned, leaving only one town planner to manage operations.
A civic official confirmed, “Due to the lack of senior planning officers, no files have been approved, leading to a decline in Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation’s (VVCMC) revenue.” Another senior official elaborated that the civic body generates income from development charges, commencement and occupancy certificate fees, and other approvals. Currently, the department is only addressing complaints and legal matters.
Moreover, the VVCMC has requested the state urban development department to assign an additional town planning officer, as work on the development plan for the twin cities is also pending. Officials emphasized the necessity of one dedicated officer to finalize the plan.
Reddy was suspended on May 19 after the Enforcement Directorate found cash and jewelry worth approximately Rs 32 crore in raids on his properties. Following Pawar’s raid on July 29, during which Rs 1.3 crore in unaccounted cash was found at a relative’s residence, assistant director Chandrashekhar Dighavkar went on leave and has not returned. Currently, town planner Shweta Mane is managing the department independently.
The ED’s investigation revolves around multiple FIRs regarding the unauthorized construction of 41 residential and commercial buildings on public and private property, which have been demolished following a recent court ruling.
