Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) carried out an anti-encroachment operation at a resort in Yeoor, demolishing multiple illegal structures on the premises.
According to TMC officials, the demolition was conducted under the orders of the Municipal Commissioner, with deputy commissioners of encroachment and headquarters overseeing the operation at the resort. They were issued with notices before the drive, said an official “The structures demolished included approximately 3,800 square feet of steel I-beam and angle construction at the former Hotel Blanch Bar & Restaurant (now renamed Level Up Hotel), an 11,993 square foot cricket turf built with steel supports, and a 1,300 square foot shed constructed with metal sheets and steel angles,” said Shankar Patole, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the anti-encroachment department of TMC.
The operation was executed by a team comprising assistant commissioners, along with office superintendents, encroachment clerks, and staff from multiple ward committees. Municipal fire services personnel, local police station officers, and authorised municipal contractors using heavy machinery including one JCB, one excavator, and two gas cutters assisted in the demolition.
Despite this action, activist Nishant Bangera raised concerns about the effectiveness of such demolition drives. “Many illegal establishments in Yeoor, including hotels, sports turfs, and wedding halls, continue to operate shortly after demolition operations. Why don’t authorities take more permanent measures such as disconnecting water supply, electricity, and gas connections to these unauthorised structures?” he questioned.
The activist further alleged that previous demolitions were also eyewash, with businesses quickly resuming operations after partial demolitions that left essential infrastructure intact.