India, Aug. 8 -- Under mounting scrutiny from the Bombay High Court over illegal constructions, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and CIDCO have launched their most extensive coordinated crackdown in recent years, widening demolition drives, disconnecting utilities to unsafe buildings and stepping up action against unauthorised structures across the city.

The action follows an assurance given by the NMMC to the high court during the July 21 hearing of a contempt petition. Acting on complaints and photographs submitted by petitioner Kishor Sunder Shetty, the civic body has partially demolished 19 illegal structures in Airoli.

Municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde said the drive would now be extended across all wards, with speci...