Hiranandani in Trouble Over Powai Hill Dig
• BMC Files FIR for Illegal Excavation
• Stop Notice Ignored, FIR Follows
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The BMC has filed an FIR against Hiranandani Builders for unauthorized excavation in Powai’s hilly zone near a helipad, despite prior warnings. Booked under the Maharashtra Town Planning Act, the case raises serious concerns about environmental violations, urban planning breaches, and regulatory enforcement. Sprouts SIT continues its independent investigation.
Contents
Hiranandani in Trouble Over Powai Hill Dig• BMC Files FIR for Illegal Excavation• Stop Notice Ignored, FIR FollowsIllegal Excavation Despite BMC’s Stop-Work NoticeFIR Filed Under Maharashtra Town Planning Act ProvisionsHiranandani Group Denies Allegations, Cites Environmental WorkUrban Development Under Scrutiny as SIT Probes FurtherTest Case for Civic Governance and Developer AccountabilityAlso Read: NMC Confirms D.Y. Patil Medical College Charged Illegal MBBS 5th Year Fees.Key controversies involving Hiranandani developers and their hospital:Unauthorized Excavation in Powai Hills ₹30,000 Crore Powai Land ScamKidney Transplant Racket at Hiranandani HospitalInsights from Social Discussions
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has lodged a formal police complaint against Hiranandani Builders & Developers for alleged unauthorized excavation in a designated hilly zone near the helipad in Powai. The action follows a citizen complaint received by the BMC on July 3, 2023, triggering a municipal inspection that led to legal proceedings.
An FIR was registered on Thursday at Powai Police Station, based on a complaint filed by Sanjay Dudhbhate, a senior official from BMC’s L-Ward. The complaint outlines that despite notice issuance on July 7, excavation work continued unlawfully, prompting the civic authority to escalate the matter to the police.
Illegal Excavation Despite BMC’s Stop-Work Notice
According to the complaint, following the July 3 grievance, a BMC inspection team visited the location and found excavation activity underway, supervised by a security officer employed by Hiranandani Builders. Despite being served a notice of violation on July 7, the construction activity allegedly resumed the very next day — a move seen as a direct violation of civic and environmental regulations.
As per officials, copies of the stop-work notice were affixed at the site, yet the developer failed to comply. This blatant disregard of procedure left the civic body with no choice but to file an FIR under applicable legal provisions.
FIR Filed Under Maharashtra Town Planning Act Provisions
The Powai Police have booked the developer and company ownership under the following sections of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966:
•Section 52: Penalty for unauthorized development or land use in violation of the sanctioned development plan.
•Section 43: Prohibits development of land without necessary permissions.
Further investigation is underway, and police officials have stated that site documentation, project approvals, and environmental clearances will be thoroughly reviewed.
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has independently verified that the hill zone near the Powai helipad is classified as a “no-development zone” in the BMC’s Development Plan, underscoring the gravity of the alleged violations.
Hiranandani Group Denies Allegations, Cites Environmental Work
In response to the FIR, a spokesperson for Hiranandani Builders issued an official statement denying any wrongdoing:
“There is no unauthorised construction or excavation of any kind on the said plot. What began as a barren quarry with merely seven trees has been transformed by us into a thriving green sanctuary, home to lakhs of trees and rich biodiversity. To suggest any intent to harm the very environment we have painstakingly restored is not only inaccurate but fundamentally contrary to our core values and long-standing commitment.”
However, environmental groups and urban planning experts consulted by the Sprouts SIT argue that good intentions cannot override planning laws, especially in ecologically sensitive zones like Powai hills.
Urban Development Under Scrutiny as SIT Probes Further
This latest development raises larger questions about real estate compliance in Mumbai’s hilly and green buffer zones. Unauthorized excavation and land alteration in such areas may contribute to soil erosion, landslides, and loss of biodiversity, say experts.
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) will continue tracking the case as more evidence emerges regarding land use permissions and enforcement failures. According to BMC insiders, the site may also be linked to future luxury residential expansion plans, a claim that has not yet been officially confirmed.
Test Case for Civic Governance and Developer Accountability
As Mumbai battles increasing urban encroachment and ecological imbalance, this FIR against a high-profile builder serves as a test case for BMC’s enforcement credibility. Whether the civic body follows through with penal action — or if the matter fades into procedural delays — remains to be seen.
For now, the case adds to growing public scrutiny around developer regulation, environmental ethics, and the integrity of Mumbai’s urban planning apparatus.
Also Read: NMC Confirms D.Y. Patil Medical College Charged Illegal MBBS 5th Year Fees.
Key controversies involving Hiranandani developers and their hospital:
Unauthorized Excavation in Powai Hills
•A BMC FIR was filed in July for illegal excavation near the Powai helipad, resulting in soil erosion in a designated “no-development” green zone.
•Despite a July 7 stop-work notice, Hiranandani allegedly resumed digging the next day. They were booked under Sections 52 and 43 of the Maharashtra Town Planning Act ●(clean site map, plan vs. execution enforcement issue).
₹30,000 Crore Powai Land Scam
•The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau had alleged a ₹30,000 crore land scam involving major township schemes in Powai, Pwedia, and assigned plots.
•FIRs arrested Hiranandani’s promoter Niranjan Hiranandani and government officials under various IPC sections, including corruption and conspiracy.
•A special court later closed the case, citing insufficient evidence.
Kidney Transplant Racket at Hiranandani Hospital
•A DMER probe in 2016 exposed a live kidney transplant approval—documents forged, donor and recipient falsely portrayed as relatives. A committee was set up to overhaul organ-transplant vetting .
•A 1,000+ page police chargesheet named five doctors, including the hospital CEO and medical director, for negligence and criminal conspiracy under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act.
•Evidence revealed forged documents, corrupt transplant coordinators, and agents facilitating black‑market organ trade—patients paid ₹20–25 lakh for illicit transplants().
•Multiple arrests were made, including doctors, hospital management, coordinators, agents, and donors. One transplant was halted mid-procedure, saving a patient from botched surgery.
Insights from Social Discussions
•Local Redditors accuse Hiranandani of misusing green spaces, failing infrastructure, and favoring PR over community planning in Powai.
•Whistleblowers allege political clout and evictions playing a role in land development and settlement disputes around Hiranandani’s projects.
• Together, these controversies cast doubt on Hiranandani’s regulatory compliance—from hilltop excavations and land-allotment schemes to life-endangering medical malpractices. The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) will continue to monitor pending probes and legal outcomes.
