The Palghar district administration has launched a time-bound drive to identify and remove illegal constructions and encroachments along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway.

The administration has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other concerned departments to complete the identification and necessary action within 15 days, following due legal procedures.

The action comes amid concerns over the growing number of unauthorised structures within the highway’s Right of Way (ROW). These reportedly include hotels, dhabas, tyre shops, temporary tin sheds, scrap godowns and other commercial structures located along both sides of the highway.

Palghar District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar has directed officials to conduct a detailed physical survey of the highway stretch from Ghodbunder to Achhad, covering both the Mumbai-bound and Gujarat-bound carriageways.

All identified encroachments and unauthorised constructions will be documented during the survey.

The Forest Department, Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, revenue authorities and concerned tehsildars have also been instructed to identify encroachments falling under their respective jurisdictions.

Encroachments on forest land, including those in the Tungareshwar area, will also be included in the exercise.

After the survey, authorities will determine the jurisdiction and nature of each encroachment. Legal notices will be issued wherever required, and action will be taken only after completion of the prescribed legal process.

The demolition and removal operation will subsequently be carried out jointly by the concerned departments.

The police have been directed to provide adequate security and bandobast during the demolition drive to ensure that the operation proceeds without disruption.

The district administration will closely monitor the exercise and has warned officials against unnecessary delays or negligence in implementing the orders.

The 15-day deadline is aimed at ensuring coordinated and timely action against unauthorised constructions occupying highway land and improving enforcement along this important Mumbai-Gujarat road corridor.