Mumbai, April 9: The Municipal Corporation of Mumbai has demolished approximately 1,200 illegal shanties built on government land in the Ananbhau Sathe Nagar area of Mankhurd. This action was taken under the orders of Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha from the Maharashtra government. The cleared land, spanning about 11 acres, will be repurposed for the development of a ‘Tribal Creation’ and a ‘Science Park’ for the benefit of citizens.
Minister Lodha emphasized the growing threat of illegal constructions in Mumbai, which poses risks to the safety of the country’s financial capital. He highlighted the need for verification and repossession of government lands.
Under the guidance of Mumbai Suburban District Collector Saurabh Katiyar, the operation to remove encroachments was carried out. A team of 400 personnel participated in this large-scale initiative, including Deputy Police Commissioner Sameer Sheikh, Additional District Collector (Encroachment/Removal) Padmakar Rokade, and officials from the Eastern Suburbs’ Encroachment Prevention Department and Public Works Department.
Through this campaign, over 1,200 shanties were removed, freeing up approximately 11 acres of government land. To prevent future encroachments, a protective wall is being constructed, along with the implementation of preventive measures.
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha expressed satisfaction with the actions taken by the Municipal Corporation’s Suburban Encroachment Removal Department. He noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is committed to making Mumbai safer, more convenient, and aesthetically pleasing. In this context, as a co-convener minister, he is working to reclaim encroached government land.
The government has become aware that in recent years, land mafias have illegally occupied government land in Mumbai and its suburbs through unauthorized constructions. In several instances, it has been observed that Bangladeshi and Rohingya individuals receive protection from local elements. Such areas often become hubs for illegal drug trade and other antisocial activities. Minister Lodha mentioned that similar large-scale illegal constructions have been found in Malad and Malwani, where strict actions are ongoing.
The government has identified thousands of acres of unauthorized occupation on government land in Mumbai and its suburbs. Efforts to remove these encroachments and reclaim these lands for government control are ongoing. Selected 500 acres of encroachment-free land will be utilized for creative initiatives under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Minister Lodha further clarified that a state-of-the-art ‘Science Park’ will be developed on the recently reclaimed land in Mankhurd with the assistance of charitable organizations for public benefit. Meanwhile, senior officials have stated that actions against unauthorized constructions in Mumbai’s suburbs are being intensified to ensure the city’s safety.
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