Builders Must Face Tough Action After Vasai-Virar Collapse, Says Lawyer

A devastating building collapse in Virar has renewed calls for stricter legal action against developers responsible for unauthorised constructions. Anil Chavan, advocate and Shiv Sena’s deputy district president in Palghar, has urged that cases be filed under stringent legal provisions, setting the tone for a tougher crackdown in Vasai-Virar.

Calls for Legal Clarity and Accountability
Chavan criticised the municipal authorities for inaction, asking whether the cycle of neglect will continue until more lives are lost. He plans to formally petition both the Vasai-Virar Civic Corporation and the Mira-Bhayander police to launch rigorous legal proceedings, seize properties of erring builders, and ensure compensation for defrauded homebuyers. Authorities have already acknowledged the role of substandard building materials in the collapse and have issued evacuation notices to residents of other risky structures

A Tragedy That Exposed a Pattern
Just days before, a four-storey illegal building gave way in Virar East, resulting in 17 deaths and nine injuries. Buyers were caught unaware, believing the building to be legal since they possessed notarised documents and even paid taxes. The collapse raises painful questions about oversight and enforcement

An Echo of Systemic Corruption
This isn’t an isolated incident. In recent months, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former civic officials and builders linked to a wide-ranging illegal construction racket in Vasai-Virar. The scandal involved forged approval documents, large-scale money laundering, and demolitions of unauthorised buildings—underscoring deep-rooted governance failures

What It Means for Local Communities
In Tier-2 cities like Vasai and Virar, many homeowners trust developers and authorities. The recent collapse and the systemic lack of accountability have shaken that trust. Lives have been lost, families displaced, and the fear lingers—if oversight fails again, who will bear the cost?

Conclusion
This tragedy has exposed more than weak infrastructure—it has revealed weakened institutions. Chavan’s demand for strict legal action is more than rhetoric; it’s a crucial step towards restoring accountability and safety. For residents across India’s emerging cities, that clarity isn’t just desirable—it’s necessary.