Palghar Collector Orders Demolition of Highway Encroachments from Ghodbunder to Achhad
The Palghar district administration has launched preparations for a major drive to clear illegal constructions and encroachments along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway, spanning the stretch from Ghodbunder to Achhad.
District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar issued directives to the National Highways Authority and concerned government departments to identify all unauthorised structures within the highway's Right of Way and complete their removal within 15 days, following the prescribed legal procedure.
The directive comes amid a growing number of unauthorised establishments along both the Mumbai-bound and Gujarat-bound carriageways. Structures identified in the highway authority's jurisdiction include unauthorised hotels, dhabas, tyre repair shops, temporary tin sheds, scrap godowns, and other commercial setups.
Speaking at a review meeting, Dr. Jakhar noted that the primary responsibility for dealing with encroachments within the Right of Way lies with the concerned National Highway authority. She emphasised that jurisdictional disputes must not cause delays in enforcement.
Authorities have been instructed to conduct a comprehensive physical inspection across the entire Ghodbunder-Achhad corridor. The Forest Department, Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, revenue authorities, and local Tahsildars have been tasked with identifying encroachments within their respective jurisdictions and submitting detailed inspection reports. The Forest Department will specifically document illegal structures on forest land, including encroachments identified in the Tungareshwar area.
Following the joint survey and the establishment of jurisdiction for each site, authorities will issue legal notices where required. Once due process is completed, a coordinated multi-agency demolition operation will take place.
The Police Department has been instructed to arrange adequate security and bandobast to prevent disruptions during the removal operations. Dr. Jakhar cautioned officials that any negligence or unnecessary delay in carrying out the directives would be viewed seriously and reported to senior departmental leadership.
