The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) carried out a major eviction drive at Tapal Naka, demolishing nine shops to facilitate long-pending road widening efforts. The operation was conducted under the directives of PMC Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale, with guidance from Deputy Municipal Commissioner (encroachment) Ravikiran Ghodke and Assistant Commissioner of Ward D, Dr. Rupali Mane.
The encroachment department, using heavy machinery including JCBs, dumpers and poclain cleared approximately 2,036 square feet of unauthorized construction. This action effectively resolved a road expansion issue that had been pending for several years.
Several key officials, including Assistant Director of Urban Planning Keshav Shinde, Assistant Commissioner Subodh Thanekar, Ward Superintendent Roshan Mali, Encroachment Department Head Sadashiv Kavathe, Ward Officer Arvind Patil, API Rajnath Khairnar, and Senior Traffic Officer Sanjay Patil, were present during the operation, along with other municipal officers and encroachment department employees.
"The road widening was deemed necessary due to increasing traffic congestion at Tapal Naka. Although two writ petitions were filed against the eviction, the Bombay High Court dismissed both on February 6, 2025, clearing the way for the demolition. We expect this action will improve traffic flow between Panvel and Karanjade significantly," a PMC officer said.
To minimize dust pollution during the demolition, a water cannon was used as per the initiative of Ward Officer Dr. Rupali Mane. This measure aimed to prevent inconvenience to residents and ensure environmental safety during the operation.
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