In a major move against illegal construction, the Urban Development Department took action today, on June 16, 2023, in Bank Colony, Maharashtra. Specifically, the operation targeted Jaripataka Plot No. 20, situated near the hospital in Zone No. 10. The individuals involved in unauthorized construction were identified as Mrs. Rammie Sukhiram Patel and Mrs. Bharti Pyarelal Patel from Plot No. 19, along with Mr. Mohan Gupta from Plot No. 20. The plots are owned by Mr. Sanjay Hariram Hemrajani, who did not grant permission for any construction activity. Additional construction work was carried out without the necessary approval from the Municipal Corporation’s building department.
The Zone authorities had issued a notice on April 25, 2023, paving the way for the action taken today. Despite facing strong protests from around 100 to 150 people in the vicinity, who vehemently obstructed the authorities’ efforts, the operation was successfully executed with the help of a well-organized police force. The team included the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), 12 Police Inspectors, approximately 100 police officers, and supporting staff, ensuring smooth implementation of the operation.
During the operation, three houses were completely demolished, while the second house and approximately 50% of the third house were partially dismantled. Overall, about 80% of the unauthorized construction was removed with the aid of two JCB machines. The operation was initially planned to continue until Monday evening, but it has been temporarily halted following a stay order issued by the local court.
In a separate action, unauthorized encroachments on the road and footpaths were tackled under Zone No. 6, spanning from Mahal to Kotwali, Badkas Chowk to Gandhi Chowk, and Shivaji Putla. Illegal stalls and shops were dismantled during this operation as well.
The crackdown was led by Mr. Harish Rao, Joint Commissioner (Encroachments), Mr. Vijay Humane, Joint Commissioner of Zone, and Mr. Sanjay Kamble, Superintendent of the Enforcement Department. The efforts were guided by engineers and encroachment officials, Kanhiya Rathod and Vinod Kokarde.
