95,000 illegal structures in Thane face demolition

With the revenue authorities completing their survey on encroachment of public land in Thane, 95,000 illegal structures in the district face immediate demolition.

With the revenue authorities completing their survey on encroachment of public land in Thane, 95,000 illegal structures in the district face immediate demolition.

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Hearing public interest litigations (PILs) filed by Vasai resident Pannalal SS and an NGO, Harit Vasai Sarankshan Samiti, the Bombay high court had directed revenue and local authorities to raze the illegal constructions. Though the demolition began in October 2010, that of residential structures was stuck for want of survey.

The survey has been completed and its report was submitted by Prabhakar Pawar, deputy secretary, urban development department last week. As per the findings, there are more than 2.38 lakh encroachments on public land in Thane. Nearly 99,472 structures were constructed prior to January 1, 1995 — the deadline set by the state for extending protection to slum dwellers. Under the policy, structures that came up before the deadline will have to be rehabilitated before demolition.

According to revenue authorities, 29,267 illegal structures came up between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2000.

However, these families do not face immediate eviction like the 94,693 settled after January 1, 2000.

The state has assured the court to remove all unprotected encroachments and illegal structures within six months.