Mumbai: In a major development for city residents, the State Government assured the Maharashtra Assembly that it will remove all illegal iron gantries and digital hoardings along Palm Beach Road within eight days. The assurance came after Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre raised the issue through a Calling Attention motion during the ongoing Budget Session.

Speaking in the Assembly, Mhatre strongly criticized the presence of unauthorized structures along the busy Palm Beach Road stretch. She alleged, “Large iron gantries and high-intensity LED advertising screens had been installed without obtaining the required approvals from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the Traffic Police.”

Highlighting the safety risks, the MLA warned that the bright LED screens and constantly changing advertisements can distract drivers on the high-speed corridor. She said, "These dazzling LED screens and constantly changing animations are a major distraction for drivers on a high-speed corridor like Palm Beach Road. They are nothing short of death traps that could lead to fatal accidents."

Mhatre also accused land mafias of illegally occupying reserved plots across Navi Mumbai with the alleged support of some local representatives. According to her, several plots reserved for gardens and public spaces by CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have been encroached upon for commercial activities.

She further alleged, "Several municipal members and their relatives have illegally occupied reserved plots to run commercial ventures like warehouses, nurseries, dhabas, and scrap shops. This blatant disregard for the law must end, and these structures must be razed to the ground."

Responding to the issue, the Urban Development Minister acknowledged the concerns raised. He informed the House that out of 628 plots transferred by CIDCO to NMMC, authorities have identified 29 reserved plots where illegal encroachments exist.

The minister also admitted that the government has received formal complaints regarding illegal constructions involving some sitting municipal members. Assuring strict action, he said, "The safety of citizens is paramount. The unauthorized iron gantries on Palm Beach Road pose a threat to life and limb. I have directed the authorities to take decisive action and demolish these structures within 8 days."