No funds to buy machines to raze illegal bungalows: Raigad collector tells HC

Tasked by the Bombay High Court to demolish all illegal structures constructed along the beaches at Alibaug, the Raigad Collector's office told the court on Thursday that it does not have funds to carry out such demolition work.

Since 2009 the high court has been hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that several "wealthy persons" have constructed bungalows and private structures along the beaches in Alibaug in violation of the state's and Coastal Zone Authority's norms.

Appearing for the Collector's office, lawyer P B Kakade told a bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik Thursday that his client had urged the court to direct the state government to extend some financial aid for the purpose.

Kakade said the Raigad district authorities and the Collector's office had already written to the state government stating that they do not have funds to purchase or engage the services of "JCBs and other excavating and demolishing" devices.

"The collector has urged this court to direct the state to allocate funds for the purpose," Kakde said.

At this, the bench expressed its surprise and asked, "Isn't the district collector also part of the state government? Then how can you write a letter to yourself asking for funds?"