Govt set to free up 500 acres of encroached land for public use

Amid growing concerns over shrinking open spaces and unauthorised development, Mumbai Suburban guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced that the government will take possession of 500 acres of encroached land in the city and convert it into public-use spaces.

- Kalpesh Mhamunkar

He said the move is essential not only to curb illegal construction but also to address the increasing social and civic challenges emerging from such encroachments.

Lodha held a review meeting at the Bandra Suburban collector’s office with district collector Saurabh Katiyar and senior officials to assess the ongoing anti-encroachment drive. After the meeting, he told the media that illegal construction has increased on government land and in mangrove areas across several suburban locations.