The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has demolished 151 unauthorized structures across the city in a major crackdown on illegal constructions, following a directive from the High Court.
According to civic officials, the drive began on June 19, but intensified significantly after the court order. Of the 151 structures, 117 have been completely demolished, while unauthorized additions to 34 other structures have been removed.
Special Teams Deployed Across Nine Wards
Acting under the instructions of Commissioner Saurabh Rao, the anti-encroachment department carried out extensive inspections via beat marshals and ward officers across all wards. A special team led by deputy municipal commissioner-level officers was deployed in nine wards to supervise and execute the demolition operations.
Focus on MK Compound in Mumbra’s Shil Locality
A significant portion of the crackdown was concentrated in the MK Compound area of Mumbra’s Shil locality, where illegal additions to 21 buildings were razed.
Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment Department) Shankar Patole stated that the demolition drive will continue in the coming days. The 34 removed structures included unauthorized chawls, sheds, plinths, sitting areas, and turf installations within municipal limits.
Heavy Machinery and Security Deployed
The civic body employed heavy machinery such as Poklen excavators, JCBs, gas cutters, and tractor breakers during the drive. The operation was supported by personnel from the local police and Maharashtra Security Force.
Daily Monitoring by Senior Officials
Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode is conducting daily reviews of the demolition campaign. Other senior civic officials, including the Deputy Commissioner (Circular), Assistant Commissioners, Executive Engineers, and officers from the Encroachment and Construction Departments, are actively involved in the ongoing effort.
Demolition Statistics
The highest number of illegal structures was removed in Diva, where 40 demolitions were conducted. This was followed by:
Majivada-Manpada with 26 structures removed,
Mumbra with 20,
Kalwa with 17,
Lokmanya Nagar with 13,
Vartak Nagar with 11,
Uthalsar and Naupada-Kopri, with 10 structures each, and
Wagle Estate, where 4 structures were brought down.
In total, the TMC demolished 151 unauthorised structures across the city.
