Palghar Administration Launches 15-Day Drive To Identify And Remove Illegal Constructions, Encroachments Along Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway

The Palghar district administration has begun preparations for a 15-day initiative aimed at identifying and eliminating illegal constructions and encroachments along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway. District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar has instructed the National Highways Authority and other relevant departments to conduct this operation, following the proper legal procedures.

District authorities have noted the increasing presence of unauthorized structures such as hotels, dhabas, tyre shops, temporary sheds, scrap godowns and more, lining both sides of the highway within their jurisdiction. At a meeting to discuss the issue, Dr. Jakhar expressed her worry over these structures and issued stern instructions for a coordinated response.

She made it clear that the responsibility for addressing encroachments and unauthorized constructions within the highway's Right of Way lies with the appropriate National Highway authority, and that jurisdictional disputes should not hinder enforcement. The authorities will conduct a thorough physical examination of both highway carriageways, from Ghodbunder to Achhad, to identify any unlawful constructions or encroachments.

They will then record all such findings. The Forest Department, Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, Revenue authorities, and Tahsildars in relevant areas have been asked to identify encroachments falling within their respective jurisdictions and submit reports. The Forest Department will document encroachments on forest land, while those in the Tungareshwar area will be part of the planned action.

Following the survey and the determination of jurisdiction and nature of each encroachment, notices will be served as required by law. Once the legal process is complete, the identified illegal constructions and encroachments will be removed through a coordinated effort by all concerned departments. The Police Department will provide security during the demolition and removal operations to ensure the drive's smooth execution.

The Collector has directed all relevant departments to complete inspections and submit detailed reports on illegal constructions and encroachments within their jurisdictions on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway. Based on these reports, the departments will conduct the joint action within the 15-day timeframe, following the necessary legal procedures.

Dr. Jakhar emphasized that any unnecessary delay or negligence by officials in implementing these directives will be taken seriously and reported to senior officers as needed. The district administration will monitor the entire encroachment-removal process to ensure effective cooperation among agencies and prompt action along the highway.