Thane Municipal Corporation, led by Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, announced a stringent month-long demolition drive against illegal constructions starting January 10. This action, backed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's directive, targets notorious areas like Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva. The operation, under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, includes demolishing unauthorized structures and penalizing landlords for reconstruction. The drive aims to dismantle illegal buildings completely, with significant police and civic force deployment. This initiative, amid past corruption concerns, marks a determined effort to eradicate the city's long standing illegal construction issues.
In a bold move to address the rampant issue of illegal constructions, Thane Municipal Corporation's (TMC) Commissioner, Abhijit Bangar, has announced a comprehensive month-long operation to begin on January 10. This campaign, aimed at enforcing building regulations within the city limits, marks a significant escalation in the civic body's efforts to combat unauthorized structures.
Bangar's announcement follows persistent appeals from local leaders and a directive from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal constructions, particularly in the areas of Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva. These regions have been identified as hotspots for unauthorized buildings, a concern echoed by opposition leaders and several influential figures. Their consistent reports of junior officials' inaction have spurred this decisive response.
Underlining the severity of the issue, the Thane administration will invoke the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act against individuals linked to illegal construction activities. This includes penalizing landlords for rebuilding demolished structures and taking legal action against builders erecting structures on government-owned land. The operation also entails a comprehensive demolition drive, with a focus on not only dismantling structures but also ensuring the complete flattening of unauthorized buildings. Special measures, such as demolishing staircases in high-rises and consulting experts, are planned to ensure thorough and safe execution.
The execution of this initiative will involve a significant deployment of civic and police forces, supplemented by additional security personnel and staff hired through contractors. Officials have outlined a protocol for the demolition process, emphasizing the importance of thorough execution and minimal inconvenience to citizens.
While the drive has received commendation from activists and political figures, there remains a cautious optimism about its sustainability and effectiveness. Concerns about corrupt practices that have historically enabled illegal constructions to thrive are prevalent. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar highlights the necessity of this operation in breaking the alleged nexus between corrupt officials and the land mafia, hoping that this initiative will mark a turning point in the city's fight against unlawful building practices.
In conclusion, Thane's aggressive stance against illegal constructions, driven by a combination of political will and administrative action, presents a hopeful prospect for restoring order and safety in urban development. The success of this campaign will not only depend on its immediate impact but also on its ability to sustain momentum and address the underlying issues of corruption and lax enforcement that have fueled this problem.
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