Thane Civic Body Demolishes Illegal Constructions

03 Jul 2024 CW Team

The Thane Municipal Corporation launched a significant demolition drive against illegal constructions and extensions made by popular hotels and resorts in Yeour. This action followed complaints from the Indian Air Force and the local tribal population about the nuisance caused by visitors at night, as officials indicated.

The total area covered by these illegal extensions, including temporary sheds and shamianas built over lawns, was approximately 1.42 lakh square feet, which is roughly equivalent to the size of three football fields.

Sources suggested that the ownership of the land where these units were constructed?such as Lalala Bar, Bombay Duck, Garwa, Light House, Secrets of Yeour, Safari Woods, and Mountain Spirit?might also be scrutinized. It was understood that some of these units could be co-owned by prominent figures from Thane city.

It was noted that hundreds of local Yeour tribal natives, including women and environmental activists, had staged a sudden rasta roko at the entry gate to the hills late Sunday evening. They were protesting against the nuisance created by tourists patronizing the burgeoning illegal structures in the eco-sensitive zone. The locals complained that tourists flocked to the area despite the government's restriction on entry after 6 pm.

NCP SP-MLA Jitendra Awhad expressed concern over how unchecked illegal activities in the area were carried out by prominent politicians from Thane, affecting the ecology over the years. He highlighted the unchecked use of loudspeakers and halogen lamps, which disturbed nocturnal birds and insects, leading to the disappearance of several species of birds and animals that once inhabited the area. Awhad questioned how these facilities operated without valid permits.

Infrastructure Urban

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