Mumbai : In compliance with a Bombay High Court directive, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched a major demolition drive targeting 17 illegal residential buildings in the Khan Compound area near Mumbra-Shil Road. The action underscores a pivotal court-led effort to dismantle unauthorised constructions proliferating in the region.
Court-Directed Inspection & Action
On June 13, the High Court appointed a senior judicial officer under police protection to inspect the illicit structures and assess the roles of builders and municipal officials involved . The court mandated swift dismantling of the buildings and warned that occupants of unauthorised premises have no legal rights therein .
Demolition Operations Underway
Between June 18–24, civic authorities demolished 12 out of the 17 illegal buildings under stern court orders . The encroachment department, supported by a heavy civic and police presence, continued the demolition drive despite monsoon rains and public holidays .
Tensions escalated when residents protested the demolitions, pressing authorities to pause proceedings. The lone access road to the site was blocked in protest; demolition resumed later in the day after police intervention .
Residents’ Grievances & No-Regret Court Stand
Protestors decried the lack of prior notice, absence of alternative shelter, and questioned why basic utilities had been supplied to unauthorised buildings in the first place . The court and TMC have countered that occupants of illegal structures hold no legal claim, and illegal buildings cannot be regularised merely due to occupation .
Official Oversight & Repercussions
Following pointed criticism in court orders, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao suspended legal assistant Farukh Shaikh, who holds the additional post of Diva AMC, due to alleged dereliction of duty in preventing the illegal constructions .
Post‑Demolition Measures
Earlier in July, after razing 21 unlawful buildings in the Sheel (Shil) area, the TMC planted trees on cleared land and imposed demolition costs on the landowners. Officials have also decided that no new development may occur on these sites until dues are recovered .
Summary
Court Ordered the demolition of unauthorized residential buildings in Shil/Mumbra.
Demolitions Completed: 12 out of 17 buildings have been razed so far.
Public Opposition: Residents protested, citing no advance notice or relocation support.
No Legal Rights: Court reaffirmed occupants of illegal constructions cannot assert ownership or regularization.
Accountability: Officials under scrutiny; one suspended following High Court’s censure.
Green Restoration: Cleared sites are being converted into tree-planted public spaces.
