August 20, 2025: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has informed the Bombay High Court that it has identified 909 unauthorised buildings within its jurisdiction, of which 175 have already been demolished and 52 partially demolished. The majority—740 structures—were found in the Diva division, while 74 were in the Kalwa-Mumbra division.
The demolitions follow a series of petitions highlighting rampant land grabbing and illegal construction in Diva and Mumbra. In an affidavit, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Shankar Patole stated that 44 FIRs had been registered against builders responsible for unauthorised projects. The civic body also cut off water supply to 275 illegal buildings in Diva and stopped borewell operations in 89.
The crackdown comes after the High Court, on June 12, ordered an inquiry into 17 allegedly unauthorised multi-storey buildings in Shil Daighar near Mumbra. The directive followed a petition by landowner Subhadra Takle, who sought the removal of structures built on her 5.5-acre plot. The court observed that civic authorities must not wait for judicial intervention before acting against illegal constructions, stressing the need to safeguard green zones and no-development areas.
The bench also raised concerns over corruption after a petition alleged that the assistant commissioner of Diva division was charging builders ₹200 per sq ft to allow illegal construction. The court directed the TMC to consider disciplinary and criminal action against the official.
In its affidavit, the TMC added that demolition debris is being cleared using crushers and processed at a waste management plant. Public notices have also been issued warning citizens against purchasing unauthorised properties. Notices for recovery of demolition costs have been sent to builders, with unpaid sums to be recovered through property tax. The civic body confirmed that departmental inquiries will be initiated against officials suspected of facilitating unauthorised construction.
Source: Hindustan Times
