August 11, 2025:
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has introduced stringent restrictions on the movement of construction materials into the Yeoor forest area without prior clearance from the civic body and registration with the Forest Department.
Officials have stated that transportation of materials will only be permitted once approval is obtained from the TMC and the goods are duly registered at the Forest Department’s checkpoint. A TMC representative noted that Yeoor is classified as an environmentally sensitive zone, meaning any construction activity requires formal authorisation from the Urban Development Department.
Those granted permission must declare the exact type of construction material being transported and provide full details of the vehicles at the Forest Department’s entry point.
In line with a High Court directive, the TMC has also acted against unauthorised commercial establishments operating in Yeoor. Of the ten illegal turf grounds identified, eight have already been demolished.
Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Tayde confirmed that a detailed survey of all unauthorised commercial structures in the area is under way. The Encroachment Department, Urban Development Department, and Property Tax Department are working jointly to conduct physical inspections. These inspections aim to verify whether the approved construction purpose aligns with the actual use of the premises.
Officials emphasised that these measures are designed to protect Yeoor’s ecological integrity while ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations. The crackdown on illegal construction and unpermitted material transport is expected to deter future violations and preserve the forest area’s environmental balance.
Source: The Free Press Journal
