Thane: No Leniency in Demolishing Illegal Constructions, Orders Municipal Commissioner

In a strict directive issued, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao ordered assistant commissioners to take immediate action against all unauthorized constructions, with no room for negligence. The commissioner emphasized that all 769 illegal structures identified across Thane's ward committees must be demolished using all available machinery and manpower, with 663 already recorded in beat diaries by ward inspectors.

Commissioner Rao made it clear that excuses such as lack of police protection, local opposition, or political pressure would not be accepted. Assistant commissioners will be held fully responsible for the demolition of these structures, whether permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary. They will be provided with necessary resources and manpower to complete the task.

The municipal commissioner stressed that it's not acceptable to create an impression of negligence in dealing with unauthorized constructions. He emphasized that court orders regarding such structures must be followed without delay, and all legal procedures should be completed on time.

A senior officials' meeting was held Friday evening in the commissioner's office to review the action against unauthorized constructions. Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Assistant Director of Town Planning Sangram Kanade, Legal Officer Makarand Kale, Deputy Commissioners Manish Joshi, Shankar Patole, Dinesh Tayde, Deputy City Engineer Vinod Pawar, and all assistant commissioners were present.

Assistant commissioners are required to personally inspect sites where unauthorized constructions are recorded in beat diaries and must be present during demolition operations. Commissioner Rao noted that once people start residing in unauthorized structures in phases, demolition becomes more challenging.

The meeting also addressed potential consequences for assistant commissioners who neglect their duties, emphasizing that they must work without succumbing to external pressures. Officials were informed that courts have taken a severe stance on unauthorized constructions and have criticized current working methods and excuses provided by the administration.