The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) launched a demolition drive on Monday targeting illegal buildings in the Khan Compound area of Mumbra-Shil, following a directive from the Bombay High Court. The action, led by the Encroachment Department, faced strong resistance from residents, delaying the operation for nearly nine hours.
Municipal officials arrived at the site (survey numbers 178, 179, and 180) at 8:30 AM, accompanied by police protection and senior civic officials, including the Deputy Municipal Commissioner. The demolition was finally initiated by the civic body at 4:00 PM.
Hundreds of residents staged protests, pleading with the authorities to halt the demolition, citing the ongoing monsoon and the presence of school-going children. However, officials proceeded with the action, citing the binding court order.
According to Shankar Patole, Deputy Commissioner of the Encroachment Department, the demolition resumed in the evening around 4:00 PM after additional police forces were deployed to manage the crowd and convince the residents. Despite rain and continued opposition from locals, the demolition work continued at the time of going to print.
"Two buildings were partially demolished on Monday. Residents of five other buildings had secured a stay order from the High Court until June 23. We plan to take action on those buildings on Tuesday, following the court's direction," Patole said.
So far, 12 of the 17 identified illegal buildings located on survey numbers 178, 179, and 180 have been razed. The operation involved around 100 municipal employees and officers, including three Deputy Commissioners and several ward officials.
The protesters alleged they were not given any prior notice and questioned how the buildings were allowed to be constructed in the first place if deemed illegal. They also raised concerns about the provision of basic services such as electricity and water.
"No alternative shelter or compensation has been provided," said Mehfooz Alam, a local resident. "People were thrown out of their homes, and belongings were removed before the bulldozers began razing the structures."
Residents demanded accountability from TMC officials, arguing that authorities failed to act when the buildings were under construction. "We are now left homeless because of the civic body's inaction then and strictness now," one protester remarked.
TMC Public Relations Officer Ravindra Manjrekar confirmed the involvement of over 100 civic staff and police forces in the operation.
