The Panvel district authorities have issued a stern order to evacuate over 500 houses in Sonari, Jaskhar, Savarkar, and Karal, following an extensive inquiry prompted by the High Court's recommendation. The investigation revealed that large swathes of Gram Panchayat land in Sonari were sold to villagers without proper authorization, leading to the directive for eviction within 30 days.

In a significant move, group development officers have been tasked with removing the unauthorized constructions and initiating disciplinary action against the former village servant involved in these transactions. The order has sent shockwaves through the affected villages, raising concerns over the potential displacement of numerous families residing in the disputed houses.

The controversy dates back 22 years when the JNPA allocated approximately 31 hectares of land for public use to the District Collectors for the affected villages of Sonari, Karal, Savarkhar, and Jaskhar. The lands were subsequently transferred to the respective Gram Panchayats, where citizens built houses without proper authorization.

A legal dispute between Urmila Ashirwad Mhatre and Ramchandra Vishwas Kadu of Sonari triggered the intervention of the High Court, which instructed the Raigad District Collector to investigate the matter. Following this, the District Collector directed the Panvel district authorities to take action against the wrongdoers after a thorough hearing.

The investigation revealed unauthorized land transactions and sales by the village reform executive board members of Sonari. Consequently, the group development officers have been instructed to file cases against these board members and proceed with the eviction of unauthorized constructions within a month. Additionally, disciplinary action is to be taken against the former village servant involved in the irregularities.

The impact of this order extends beyond Sonari, with concerns that similar unauthorized constructions in Karal, Savarkar, and Jaskhar may face eviction. Approximately 1500 houses have been constructed in the Gram Panchayat limits, with a significant concentration in Jaskhar. The looming possibility of unauthorized status has created anxiety and unrest among the residents in the three Gram Panchayat areas.