Thane Civic Chief Orders Power Firms to Verify Legality of Buildings Before Electricity Supply

Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has instructed power supply companies to verify the legal status of buildings before providing electricity connections. This is in compliance with high court orders that prohibit power supply to unauthorized constructions. Rao emphasized the importance of this matter and asked both MSEDCL and Torrent Power to work with the TMC's Urban Development Department to establish a joint verification mechanism.

Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has issued a directive to power supply companies, instructing them to verify the legal status of buildings before providing electricity connections. This move is in compliance with high court orders that prohibit power supply to unauthorized constructions. Rao emphasized the importance of this directive and requested both Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) and Torrent Power to collaborate with the TMC's Urban Development Department to establish a joint verification mechanism.

In a high-level meeting held at the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) headquarters, Rao stated that supplying power to unauthorized buildings and structures is a violation of court orders and must be prevented through rigorous verification procedures. "There are clear orders of the high court that no power supply should be provided to any unauthorized construction," he said. Rao emphasized that both MSEDCL and Torrent Power are legally responsible for verifying the legality of any building before approving power connections. Electricity cannot be supplied based solely on an affidavit or application; supporting documents establishing the legal status of a structure must be verified.

The meeting was attended by senior TMC officials and executives from the power supply firms. Rao stated, "This is a very important and serious matter. The high court has made it amply clear that only authorized constructions are entitled to electricity supply. This must be strictly followed from today onwards." To ensure compliance and minimize inconvenience to genuine consumers, Rao asked both companies to work in coordination with the TMC's Urban Development Department and establish a streamlined procedure for verifying the legality of all future electricity connections. Any ambiguities should be escalated to senior levels to avoid errors.

This directive aims to address the issue of unauthorized constructions receiving power supply, which has been a persistent problem in the city. By implementing strict verification procedures, the TMC hopes to ensure that only legitimate structures are granted electricity connections, thereby maintaining the integrity of the power supply system and adhering to legal guidelines.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/thane-civic-chief-warns-power-firms-against-connection-to-illegal-buildings-125072301268_1.html
[2] https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/07/23/wrg4-mh-power-supply-civic-body.html