The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Wednesday carried out a demolition drive in Savande village of Bhiwandi taluka, removing structures that officials said had been constructed without the necessary approvals. The action included the demolition of a wuzu (ablution) facility and a tin-sheet structure that was reportedly being used as a prayer area.
The operation was conducted under heavy police security and in the presence of senior administrative officials to ensure law and order during the exercise. According to authorities, the structures had been developed on the land without obtaining mandatory permissions from the concerned agencies.
Officials said the matter came under scrutiny following complaints regarding unauthorized construction at the site. Subsequently, legal proceedings were initiated and notices were issued to the concerned parties after due process and in accordance with directions from the competent court.
As part of the procedure, occupants were granted a 15-day period to voluntarily remove the structures. However, officials stated that no compliance was reported within the stipulated timeframe, prompting the authority to proceed with demolition.
A joint team comprising MMRDA personnel, revenue department officials and police officers reached the location early in the day to execute the operation. Earthmoving equipment, including JCB machines, was deployed to dismantle the tin-sheet shed, the wuzu facility and other portions of the alleged unauthorized construction.
Authorities said the drive was completed peacefully without any major law-and-order issues. A substantial police presence had been arranged in the area as a precautionary measure.
MMRDA officials maintained that the action was undertaken strictly in accordance with legal provisions and only after providing sufficient opportunity to the concerned parties to comply with the notices issued by the authority.
The demolition has sparked discussion among local residents and is being seen as part of MMRDA’s ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized construction within its jurisdiction. Officials reiterated that any structure developed without statutory approvals would continue to face action under the law. The authority also urged citizens and landowners to secure all necessary permissions before undertaking construction activities to avoid legal consequences and demolition proceedings.
Source: The Free Press Journal
