The Panvel Municipal Corporation carried out a significant encroachment clearance operation at the  Tapal Naka to facilitate long-pending road widening efforts. The action, conducted under the directive of Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale, was led by Deputy Commissioner for Encroachment Ravikiran Ghodke and Assistant Commissioner of Ward D Dr. Rupali Mane.

On Friday, February 7, nine encroachers were evicted, with approximately 2,036 square feet of unauthorised structures being demolished using JCBs, dumpers, and bulldozers. The move aims to ease persistent traffic congestion at the location, a long-standing issue that had hindered road expansion.

The operation was carried out in the presence of several key officials, including Assistant Director of Urban Planning Keshav Shinde, Assistant Commissioners Shriram Pawar and Subodh Thanekar, along with ward and municipal officers.

Panvel Assistant Police Inspector Rajratna Khairnar, Traffic Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Patil, and police personnel also assisted in maintaining law and order during the action.

The road widening project had been delayed due to legal challenges, with two writ petitions filed in the Bombay High Court. However, the court dismissed both petitions.

Following the removal of encroachments, officials noted that the traffic situation in Panvel and Karanjade is expected to improve significantly, reducing congestion and enhancing road connectivity.

Meanwhile, to minimise dust pollution during the demolishment action the municipal corporation deployed a water cannon. “Adequate measures were taken to ensure that local residents were not inconvenienced by dust during the clearance operation”, said Ward Officer Dr. Rupali Mane.