Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly that land in Kalyan’s Godwali area, originally belonging to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's descendants Yashwant Bhimrao Ambedkar and Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar has been returned to them after it was unlawfully occupied by a builder.
Bawankule said he had issued strict orders to the municipal administration, ensuring that the land could not be used by anyone else under any circumstances. Any violation, he added, would invite strict action.
He revealed that Lalit Mahajan and Tanishka Residency had taken illegal possession of the land and constructed 72 flats and 8 commercial shops. All unauthorized constructions have now been demolished, and the land has been restored to the rightful owners. He questioned how such massive encroachment was allowed under municipal watch and said responsible officials would face action. A detailed report has been submitted to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the role of the then-municipal commissioner will also be probed.
Planned Measures for Mumbai and Statewide Encroachment Prevention
Bawankule further stated that nearly 100 huts are being sold daily in cities like Mumbai and rural areas. To address this, district collectors will be directed to enforce strict anti-encroachment measures, with a comprehensive and consistent operational procedure to be introduced soon.
Responding to MLA Yogesh Sagar’s query about holding officials accountable for encroachments on government land, Bawankule stated that protecting one’s land is primarily the owner's responsibility. However, if any revenue department officials are found complicit, the state government will consult with the Chief Minister and implement legal measures for strict action.
MLA Nitin Raut also participated in the discussion
Protection of Government Lands in Nagpur
Highlighting a similar issue in Nagpur, Bawankule stated that many government lands there have also been encroached upon. He assured that district collectors and police superintendents will be instructed to free these lands. The Revenue Department is working on a strict and systematic framework to protect government properties and curb such encroachments in the future.
