India, Oct. 22 -- Grappling with an avalanche of unauthorised constructions, the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has decided to blast its way through the problem, quite literally. With earthmovers no match for the sheer volume of illegal structures, the civic body plans to use explosives instead. It floated tenders last week for the demolition drive, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the firms to be contracted for the task.

VVCMC commissioner Manoj Suryavanshi said, "We have more than 1,500 illegal buildings in our jurisdiction. Of these, 196 are in dilapidated condition and we have a staff of 100 to undertake demolitions. Since the work is beyond their scope, we have floated tenders to employ companies using exp...