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The Bombay High Court has instructed civic authorities across Maharashtra not to issue Occupancy Certificates (OCs) for buildings that lack functioning Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) or proper sewage management systems. The ruling addresses untreated sewage flowing into the Ulhas River from several unauthorized and non-compliant structures in Thane district. The court also directed authorities to identify non-compliant buildings, take action against developers, and ensure accountability among officials who issue OCs in violation of regulations. A further hearing on the matter is scheduled later this month.
The Bombay High Court has directed municipal and civic authorities in Maharashtra to withhold Occupancy Certificates (OCs) for buildings unless they have fully operational sewage systems in place. The bench, consisting of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri, addressed concerns about untreated sewage from multiple structures flowing into the Ulhas River. This step comes in response to petitions highlighting environmental hazards caused by buildings without Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Thane district. Advertisement
The court emphasised that municipal councils and other civic bodies must ensure that no building receives an OC unless it complies with approved plans and has a functional STP or an adequate connection to municipal sewage systems. Authorities have been instructed to survey existing structures, identify those without STPs, and take strict measures against non-compliant developers.
The bench further warned that developers failing to provide sewage facilities as per approved plans could face blacklisting. Civic officials who issue OCs without confirming proper sewage arrangements may also face accountability. The court has asked authorities to submit updates on compliance ahead of the next hearing scheduled later this month.
This ruling comes amid growing concerns over urban development and environmental management in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Reports indicate that thousands of buildings have been operating without OCs, pointing to gaps in regulatory enforcement and oversight. Civic authorities are now expected to strictly enforce compliance, ensuring that environmental standards are maintained and sewage treatment norms are not bypassed.
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