Mumbai News: BMEA Slams BMC Over Transfer Of K East Ward Officer After Vile Parle Illegal Construction Demolition Drive

Mumbai: The BMC's recent decision to transfer the Navnath Ghadge ward officer of K East ward has sparked discontent among civic officials. Over the past year, three officers were transferred after taking action against illegal constructions, allegedly due to political pressure, according to officials.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Engineers’ Association (BMEA) has voiced strong opposition to the move, warning that such politically motivated transfers could demoralise officials and deter them from acting against unauthorised developments. The decision, they argue, sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden violators and undermine the rule of law.

An official revealed that in June last year, Prithviraj Chahuan, ward officer of K West, was transferred reportedly due to political pressure after taking action against illegal constructions in Versova. Similarly, in last month, Nitin Shukla, ward officer of F North, was abruptly transferred just 50 days into his tenure after initiating demolition drives against unauthorised structures in Matunga.

"If we fail to act on court orders, it's contempt of court. But if we follow the orders and demolish illegal structures, we face public backlash and hostility from disruptive groups," said one of the ward officials.

Ghadge was transferred after demolishing The BMEA in its letter to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani was urged to firmly stand by civic officials and engineers.

"During Sitaram Kunte’s tenure as Commissioner, the state government appointed 64 assistant engineers to combat illegal constructions. Over time, this was reduced to 24 Executive Engineers, each managing specific wards. However, local and political interference has hindered the BMC’s efforts, and the courts have repeatedly reprimanded the administration for failing to address the issue," stated the BMEA in its letter.

Yashwant Dhuri, General Secretary of BMEA, said, "It is crucial for the BMC administration to stand firmly behind officers and engineers who carry out their duties without yielding to political pressure. Otherwise, civic officials and engineers will be reluctant to act against illegal constructions. The pressing question is whether we will uphold court orders and fulfill our administrative duties, or succumb to political influence. This decision must be made without delay."

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