1 woman, 7 builders and a corrupt system

Khar resident Aftab Siddique wins a three-year battle against illegal constructions in her neighbourhood

Alka Shukla

     

Posted On Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 02:44:55 AM

This senior school teacher may not look like your average crusader, but she has managed to etch a significant victory for her area. Aftab Siddique’s three-year-campaign against seven illegal buildings in Khar has borne fruit.  Aftab Siddique, who had initiated an investigation into seven constructions in Khar which were flouting norms  Nilesh Wairkar The Test Audit and Vigilance Department of BMC has taken up independent investigations against the errant builders and indicted all concerned engineers of H West ward for allowing the builders to make a mockery of the law.  Siddique, 43, an active member of Khar’s (w) Advanced Locality Management (ALM) initiated an investigation into the seven constructions in her area which were flouting norms. “We figured there are some gross violations of rules when we saw these buildings were coming in the way of the road widening project here. That is how we began our fact finding mission.”  Siddique began with filing RTIs for details on these seven projects – MK Building, Abdul Burhan Estate, Harman Villa, Shaukat Manzil, Anmol Building, Rajpal Chawl, Marwari Chawl. Armed with the information, she filed a complaint with the civic body. As expected, there was no action taken. Siddique next approached the Urban Development Department, and met with a tepid response there as well. Every time she was turned away, Siddique would return, knock on some other door.  “There have been threat calls and I have had police protection for ten months as well. But at no point did I ever think of giving up,” says Siddique who is known among the residents here as somewhat of a social activist.  She even approached the Chief Minister last year, who assured her of an inquiry. But what if she was proved wrong, he asked her. “If I am, I am willing to pay the penalty which these property owners would have to pay otherwise,” Siddique reportedly told him. Meanwhile, Siddique also challenged the false reports which had resulted in the case being closed, and approached the Anti Corruption Bureau with her findings. Siddique’s multi-pronged attack and persistence finally paid off with the ACB taking up the matter in April this year and the Test and Audit Vigilance Department rapping the builders and engineers.  Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner, BMC said, “We have taken cognizance of the report and have even started taking appropriate action against errant officers.” “Around 22 assistant, junior and sub engineers, who been turning a blind eye to illegalities since 1995 have finally been indicted,” said a triumphant Siddique, adding, “I just hope BMC actually takes action against those engineers.” •    There were threat calls, I have had police protection for 10 months. But I never thought of giving up - Aftab Siddique, School teacher   MK Building    Illegalities: Extra terrace floor, conversion of space used by a bank into shops  Report says: Hold engineers, officials responsible for it    Abdul Burhan Estate   Illegalities: Four illegal shops have been built on open spaces here Report says: The matter is serious and inappropriate  Harman Villa  Illegalities: Changes made internally, residential parts converted into commercial  Report says: Hold concerned engineer responsible for it  Marwari Chawl  Illegalities: Unauthorised construction, structures came up after demolition Report says: Hold engineers, officials responsible for it   Rajpal Chawl  Illegalities: Changes under the pretext of repair works extending on a 20-feet road  Report says: BMC stop work notice should have been sent