Taloja MIDC razes 40 illegal shops, villagers protest stops drive

NAVI MUMBAI:The Taloja MIDC started demolishing illegal encroachments, including hotels and scrap dealers, along the main and cross roads on Tuesday. Around 40 shops were demolished by the anti-encroachment squad. The drive was stopped after villagers started a protest.
Taloja MIDC deputy engineer, water supply and planning, Shrikant Raut said, “Many illegal hotels, shops, scrap dealers have encroached upon the road in MIDC area.We had served notices to these shops a month ago. On Tuesday, around 40 such shops were demolished. Many cubicle-like temporary structures have come up along the roads.”
When the demolition squad reached Pendhar, Navde and Taloja, villagers started opposing the drive. “They have demanded a meeting with our officials. A meeting is scheduled to be held this week between our regional officer and the villagers. However, action will be taken against the illegal encroachments,” Raut added.
A Taloja area resident, Sagar Raje, said many shops were removed by the owners themselves before the demolition squad arrived. “However, few shops of scrap dealers and others may have been demolished. The villagers thwarted the MIDC drive. Fearing a law and order situation, the MIDC stopped the demolition,” Raje said.