Thane invokes MPDA Act, strict measures against illegal constructions

Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has declared that the Thane municipal corporation will enforce the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act against individuals engaged in illicit construction activities within the city. Landlords will also face legal action if any demolished structures are found to be undergoing reconstruction, as per Bangar's announcement. The stringent month-long drive against illegal constructions is set to commence on January 10, with a particular focus on Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva?identified as hotspots for unauthorised building projects by opposition leaders. This move follows persistent complaints from leaders during the winter session, prompting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to pledge zero tolerance towards illegal constructions. In response to the concerns raised by leaders, Shinde directed the Thane administration to take decisive action against illegal constructions, citing their significant threat to public safety. Bangar revealed that a comprehensive demolition drive is scheduled from January 10 to February 10. Legal action will be initiated against landowners if construction persists on unauthorised foundations after civic intervention. If construction is carried out on government-owned land, the entire cost of demolition will be recovered from landowners and builders through legal proceedings. The invocation of the MPDA Act is also considered if necessary. A detailed protocol has been established for the demolition drive, with assistant commissioners overseeing the process to ensure the complete flattening of structures, including staircases in highrises. Teams are urged to conduct the drives carefully to minimise inconvenience to citizens. The demolition work will occur simultaneously at various locations within specific wards on all days except Sundays. To bolster the operation, the administration has approved plans to deploy 100 personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force, with additional staff through contractors if required. While activists and political figures commend the initiative, there is a cautious optimism about its sustained effectiveness. Skepticism persists due to past unfulfilled announcements and allegations of officials receiving kickbacks for allowing illegal constructions. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar expressed hope that the current drive would dismantle any existing corrupt networks facilitating illicit construction activities.