Bulldozer and Hammer Action in Diva–Mumbra

Acting on the directives of the High Court and findings from ward committee beat inspections as well as special vigilance squads, the Thane Municipal Corporation’s encroachment removal team has taken action against 264 illegal constructions in Diva and Mumbra. Of these, 198 structures were completely demolished, while unauthorized extensions in 66 buildings were removed, officials confirmed.

Since June, the encroachment team has been conducting regular drives across the municipal limits. On Saturday (September 27), Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao reviewed the progress in a meeting attended by Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, City Engineer Prashant Sonagra, Assistant Director of Town Planning Sangram Kande, Deputy Commissioners G.G. Godepure, Shankar Patole, Dinesh Tayde, Suburban Engineer Vikas Dhole, Sudhir Gaikwad, Legal Officer Makarand Kale, and other senior officials.

Commissioner Rao directed that no new illegal construction should be allowed. He instructed officials to immediately file cases under the MRTP Act after completing due legal process, using site inspections and modern technology for accurate reporting. For remaining illegal structures, stairways should be demolished and entrances sealed, he added.

Warning citizens, Rao appealed that no one should buy homes in unauthorized buildings. Awareness boards are being placed at key spots, and QR codes have been introduced at legal sites to let buyers verify building permissions instantly.

The crackdown has so far targeted unauthorized chawls, sheds, plinth constructions, extensions, and turf structures. Additional Commissioner Rode is monitoring daily implementation.

Illegal Construction Cases Filed (June–September):

•Naupada–Kopri: 01

•Diva: 11

•Mumbra: 13

•Kalwa: 04

•Uthalsar: 01

•Majiwada–Manpada: 05

•Vartak Nagar: 08

•Lokmanya Nagar–Savarkar Nagar: 07

•Wagle Estate: 00

Total: 50