The district administration on September 1 carried out a major demolition operation in Vasai taluka, removing hundreds of structures that authorities had identified as unauthorised following complaints and scrutiny of the required approvals.
The action was undertaken in Mori village, where 574 residential, commercial and industrial structures were demolished. The constructions had reportedly come up on private land and had been the subject of complaints from local residents.
According to the revenue authorities, notices were issued to the concerned landholders under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. They were asked to submit documents establishing ownership of the land, sanctioned building plans, construction permissions and other relevant approvals.
Officials said the required documents were not submitted within the stipulated period. Following this, the administration proceeded with the demolition action.
The drive was carried out under the guidance of Palghar District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar. Police personnel, including women officers, were deployed during the operation to maintain law and order. Revenue officials, including talathis and circle officers, were also present, while JCBs and Poklen machines were used for the demolition.
The administration had earlier planned action against the unauthorised constructions, but the exercise was delayed as revenue officials were engaged in election-related SIR work. After completion of the first phase of the exercise, the pending action was taken up.
Officials said further unauthorised constructions in the Mori area will be dealt with in phases and in accordance with the law.
Vasai Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate Deepak Gaikwad has appealed to residents not to undertake construction without securing the necessary permissions from the competent authorities. The administration has also warned that structures found to be in violation of planning regulations could face action under the applicable laws.
Source: The Free Press Journal
