Thane demolition: Chief minister promises solution

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Saturday assured a delegation from Thane that the state government would find a solution for the issue of displacement of 12 lakh people, who had encroached on government land.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Saturday assured a delegation from Thane that the state government would find a solution for the issue of displacement of 12 lakh people, who had encroached on government land.

The encroachments are being demolished following directives of the high court. However, two separate petitions have already been filed in the high court, seeking a stoppage on the demolitions and asking for alternative accommodations for the families who have been displaced.

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“Chavan has promised residents that the government is working out a solution,” said local legislator Jitendra Awhad. “We don’t want to show disrespect to the high court order, but we want the high court and the government to take a sympathetic view for the lakhs of families.”

On Saturday, Chavan held consultations with officers from the law and judiciary and housing departments as well as deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, revenue minister Narayan Rane and Thane district guardian minister Ganesh Naik.

“We have urged the government to consider, as they did for residents staying on forest land, where homes were regularised after the owners paid a penalty,” said Ruta Samant of the Thane Zilla Zopadpatti Sangharsh Samiti.