The State government has issued three circulars aimed at protecting over one lakh houses built before 1972, which are currently facing demolition due to a High Court order.
Addressing a press conference after chairing a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that any house marked on the 1972 survey map or Form I & XIV will be eligible for a certificate from the Deputy Collector and the Village Panchayat/Corporation/Municipal Council declaring the structure as legal, provided the applicant submits basic documents such as electricity or water bills.
The application process will commence on August 1, and certificates will be issued within seven days of submission. Applicants must first obtain a certificate from the Deputy Collector before applying to the local Village Panchayat and the Municipal Council for final approvals.
The Deputy Collector will certify that the structure is located in a settlement zone, eliminating the need for a fresh sanad (land conversion certificate) for any new construction, Sawant said.
The Panchayat Secretary or the Commissioner/Chief Officer will certify that the house is assessed for tax and is considered legal upon verification of documents. "With these certificates, all pre-1972 houses will be protected irrespective of whose land it is. It is not for ownership title but for settlement title and legal for the structure. There is no need for any new law," Sawant asserted.