High Court Spurs Thane's Aggressive Action Against Unauthorized Constructions

In response to a stern directive from the High Court, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched an aggressive demolition drive against unauthorized constructions across the city. Over the past five days, a total of 73 illegal structures have been razed, despite strong resistance from local residents.

The High Court had sharply criticized the TMC for its laxity in curbing rampant unauthorized construction in the city. Acting promptly on the court's rebuke, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Ravaya constituted special squads for each ward to spearhead the demolition operations. These teams, operating under heavy police security, have been conducting coordinated actions across various parts of Thane.

Deputy Commissioner of the Encroachment Department, Shankar Patole, confirmed that the demolition drive will continue in the coming days. “There has been opposition from locals, especially in densely populated areas, but we are determined to restore urban order,” he said.

Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Manish Joshi, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sangle, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Subhash Chandra Borse were present during the operations to oversee the process and ensure law and order.

So far, the breakdown of demolished unauthorized structures is as follows:

• 6 in Kopri section (Naupada)

• 4 in Wagle Estate

• 6 in Lokmanya Savarkar Nagar

• 5 in Vartaknagar

• 13 in Majivda-Manpada

• 3 in Uthalsar

• 6 in Kalwa

• 7 in Mumbra

• 23 across various other sections

The ongoing campaign is expected to deal a major blow to the land mafia operating in Thane, which has been thriving on illegal construction for years.

City officials have emphasized that strict action will continue as part of the broader effort to ensure compliance with urban planning laws and to uphold the directives of the judiciary.