India, Feb. 17 -- The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has demolished 41 unauthorised buildings in Vasai East within a span of 22 days, concluding its large-scale demolition drive on Saturday that left around 2,000 residents homeless.

According to VVMC officials, the demolished structures were illegally constructed on land reserved for a water treatment plant and a sewage treatment facility in Agarwal Nagari, Vasai East. The action was taken following a Supreme Court directive after residents, who had sought a stay on the demolitions in November, failed to obtain relief from the apex court.

The municipal corporation commenced its first phase of demolitions by tearing down seven structurally dangerous buildings. However, the oper...