Palghar: The Palghar district administration has initiated preparations for a major drive to remove illegal constructions and encroachments falling within the Right of Way (ROW) of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway.
Taking serious note of the growing number of unauthorised structures along the highway, District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar has directed the National Highways Authority and other concerned departments to identify illegal constructions and complete the necessary action for their removal within 15 days, after following the prescribed legal procedure.
Several unauthorised hotels, dhabas, tyre shops, temporary tin sheds, scrap godowns and other structures have reportedly come up along both sides of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway within the highway authority's jurisdiction.
At a review meeting convened on the issue, Dr. Jakhar expressed concern over the proliferation of such structures and issued strict directions for coordinated action. She clarified that the responsibility for dealing with encroachments and unauthorised constructions falling within the highway's ROW rests with the concerned National Highway authority and that jurisdictional issues should not result in delays in enforcement.
The concerned authorities have been directed to undertake a detailed physical inspection of both sides of the highway, covering the stretch from Ghodbunder to Achhad, along the Mumbai-bound and Gujarat-bound carriageways. All unauthorised constructions and encroachments identified during the inspection are to be properly recorded.
The Forest Department, Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, Revenue authorities and concerned Tahsildars have also been asked to identify cases falling within their respective jurisdictions and submit the necessary reports. Encroachments on forest land along the highway are to be documented by the Forest Department. Encroachments identified in the Tungareshwar area will also be covered under the proposed action.
Once the joint survey is completed and the jurisdiction and nature of individual encroachments are established, notices will be issued wherever required in accordance with law. Following completion of the prescribed legal process, the identified illegal constructions and encroachments will be removed through a coordinated drive involving all concerned departments.
The Police Department has been directed to provide the necessary security and bandobast during the demolition and encroachment-removal operations to ensure that the drive is carried out smoothly and without disruption.
The Collector has directed all concerned departments to complete their inspections and submit detailed reports on illegal constructions and encroachments falling within their respective jurisdictions along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway.
Based on these reports, the departments will jointly undertake action within the stipulated 15-day period, after completing the required legal procedures.
Dr. Jakhar has made it clear that unnecessary delay or negligence by officials in implementing the directions will be viewed seriously and, where necessary, brought to the notice of senior officers of the concerned departments.
The district administration will closely monitor the entire encroachment-removal exercise to ensure effective coordination among agencies and timely action along the highway.
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