Unauthorized Constructions Threaten Juhu Society’s Safety
• Officials Ignore Illegal Modifications in Aging Building
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Juhu Supreme Shopping Centre Co-operative Society, located in the upscale locality of Juhu, Gulmohar Road No. 9, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, is facing a severe safety threat due to unauthorized modifications made by some members.
Several society members have illegally altered their premises. While some have applied for regularization, others have misused their garages for storage or other unauthorized activities. Since 2023, inspired by these violations, more members have followed suit, submitting applications to MHADA authorities.
Despite knowing that the society’s structure is 40 years old, already weak, and under the redevelopment process, these members are determined to expand their premises—legally or illegally. Shockingly, the existing society committee remains silent on these irregularities, raising suspicions of intentional negligence.
Since the society falls under the Maharashtra Housing Regulatory Authority (MHADA), any structural modifications require legal permissions, NOCs, and approvals. However, these members have failed to obtain the necessary approvals.
Even more concerning, certain society members managed to get unauthorized documents signed by a former chairman who was no longer in office. At the time, the society was under an administrator’s control, making these approvals fraudulent. This raises serious legal concerns about document forgery and administrative misconduct.
All modifications approved by the former chairman are legally invalid. Despite multiple complaints to MHADA and the Municipal Corporation K (West) Ward, no action has been taken, suggesting possible inaction or collusion by officials.
The society building, over 40 years old, is already showing visible cracks inside and outside, indicating structural weakness. Any further unauthorized modifications could endanger all residents, yet both the violators and authorities continue to ignore this urgent issue.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has found that most society members have taken legal steps to stop these unauthorized modifications by filing complaints with the authorities. However, a few members persist in seeking approvals for illegal construction for personal gain.
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These actions not only put residents at risk but also disrupt the society’s redevelopment process. Despite repeated complaints to MHADA and the municipal corporation, officials have failed to take any concrete action, further fueling suspicions of their involvement in these unauthorized activities.
Additionally, multiple ground-floor unit holders operating food businesses have encroached upon common spaces, illegally setting up storage units and sheds. This has led to severe parking and accessibility issues for other members.
Some shop owners have even installed large gas or diesel furnaces in common areas for cooking and frying food, creating a severe fire hazard. A similar situation previously led to a fatal gas cylinder explosion. Despite this, the society’s managing committee has taken no action against these violations.
Further investigations reveal that even the fire brigade, despite repeated complaints, has failed to act. While it is usually quick to issue notices for minor infractions, it has ignored this major safety risk for reasons unknown.
Additionally, some members have installed underground water tanks, approximately 4 to 5 feet deep in front of their premises, further increasing the load on the already weakened building structure.
Despite these unauthorized activities, MHADA, the municipal corporation, the fire brigade, and the Society Registrar have taken no action. Given the fragile condition of the building, MHADA should have strictly denied permissions for any modifications. Yet, approvals seem to have been granted recklessly.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team urges the government to intervene immediately. Unauthorized mezzanine floors, fraudulent approvals, misuse of common spaces, and the dangerous use of gas in shared areas pose a serious risk to residents. Authorities must act before a tragedy occurs.