Private club seeks entry of cars into Yeoor Hills after sunset

Members of the Golden Swan Club, situated in the Yeoor Hills (a notified forest area), seek that they be allowed to take their vehicles till the club premises after 7 pm.

Members of the Golden Swan Club, situated in the Yeoor Hills (a notified forest area), seek that they be allowed to take their vehicles till the club premises after 7 pm.

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The members filed a petition in the Bombay high court seeking relief from an earlier order of the high court passed in September 2009, which restrained entry of vehicles inside the hills after sunset.

Anil Anturkar, counsel for the members of the club, argued there is no law or provision which restrains entry of vehicles inside a forest area after sunset.

He also said the members cannot walk for two kilometers to reach the club after sunset because wild animals roam around freely, therefore the members needed access.

On September 12, 2009, high court had restrained vehicles while hearing a public interest litigation filed by local tribals who have been living in the area for decades, alleging indiscriminate encroachment and construction inside the hills.

Following the earlier high court order, Thane Municipal Corporation demolished part of the club, which was considered to be illegal. “We have also filed an application seeking regularisation of the structure,” said Anturkar.

The high court has kept the matter for hearing on December 23.