Palghar Collector Indu Rani Jakhar has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to identify and remove unauthorised constructions and encroachments along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway within 15 days. The direction was issued during a review of the ongoing clearance drive at a high-level meeting, where the collector expressed displeasure at delays and rejected jurisdiction-related explanations offered by officials. She instructed prompt completion and underscored the need for coordinated action.

The collector asked the police department to provide security during the clearance operation and required the highway authority to submit a detailed Action Taken Report on the measures implemented. The district administration will monitor progress through a time-bound tracking mechanism and the collector warned of strict action in the event of further delays or negligence. The framework is intended to ensure accountability and timely resolution.

A survey carried out along NH-48 in Palghar district identified 114 encroachments covering around 73,831 square metres of built-up area. The identified violations include roadside hotels and eateries, shops and commercial structures, parking areas, puncture shops and tea stalls spread along the corridor. Authorities have classified the encroachments according to the legal status of the land to determine the appropriate agency response.

The National Highways Authority of India and the Forest Department have been assigned responsibilities within their respective jurisdictions and notices have been issued in cases involving reserved and protected forest areas. NHAI had earlier inspected 80 encroached properties as part of the clearance exercise and will continue coordinated inspections with local agencies. Police and other local bodies are engaged to facilitate the operational phase.

The latest directive forms part of stepped-up action against roadside encroachments and unauthorised construction along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar district and will be tracked by the district administration. The report was attributed to PTI.