Palghar Launches 15-Day Drive Against Highway Encroachments

The Palghar district administration has launched a 15-day drive to identify and remove illegal constructions and encroachments along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway.

District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar has directed the National Highways Authority and other concerned departments to take necessary action against unauthorised structures within the Right of Way (ROW) of the highway.

Several unauthorised hotels, dhabas, tyre shops, and temporary tin sheds have come up along the highway, prompting the administration to take action.

At a review meeting, Dr. Jakhar expressed concern over the proliferation of such structures and issued strict directions for coordinated action. She clarified that the responsibility for dealing with encroachments and unauthorised constructions rests with the concerned National Highway authority.

The concerned authorities have been directed to undertake a detailed physical inspection of both sides of the highway, covering the stretch from Ghodbunder to Achhad.

All unauthorised constructions and encroachments identified during the inspection will be properly recorded, and notices will be issued wherever required in accordance with law.

The Forest Department, Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, Revenue authorities, and concerned Tahsildars have also been asked to identify cases falling within their respective jurisdictions and submit the necessary reports.

Encroachments on forest land along the highway will be documented by the Forest Department, and encroachments identified in the Tungareshwar area will also be covered under the proposed action.

Once the joint survey is completed, and the jurisdiction and nature of individual encroachments are established, the identified illegal constructions and encroachments will be removed through a coordinated drive involving all concerned departments.

The Police Department has been directed to provide the necessary security and bandobast during the demolition and encroachment-removal operations to ensure that the drive is carried out smoothly and without disruption.

The removal of encroachments and unauthorised constructions along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway is expected to improve traffic flow and safety along the highway.

The Palghar administration's drive against encroachments is part of a broader effort to maintain law and order and ensure public safety in the district.

The success of the drive will depend on the coordination and cooperation among the various departments involved, as well as the effective implementation of the law.

In the long run, the removal of encroachments and unauthorised constructions along the highway is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and quality of life for residents in the area.

The Palghar administration's initiative is a significant step towards maintaining the integrity of the highway and ensuring public safety, and its success will be closely watched by other districts in the state.