Mumbai, March 16 Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday directed officials to use technology, including satellite mapping and drones, to identify illegal structures and prepare a concrete action plan by the end of April to make Mumbai encroachment-free.
Shelar, the state's Information Technology and Mumbai Suburban guardian minister, held a meeting at the Mantralaya to review the rise in encroachments in the city.
"Without clearing encroachments from Mumbai's drains, rivers, and open spaces, the sustainable development of the city will not be possible. All agencies should work in coordination and prepare a detailed plan to take phased action against encroachments," he said.
MLA Mihir Kotecha, Environment Department Secretary Jayashree Bhoj, Mumbai Suburban Collector Saurabh Katiyar, MHADA Mumbai Chief Officer Milind Borikar, and officials from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board attended the meeting.
Officials reviewed encroachments that have sprung up in the city over the past two decades and found that unauthorized constructions and additional floors were built in several parts of the city.
Shelar directed the departments to map encroachments using the NETRAM (Network Traffic & Real-time Advanced Management) system, along with satellite mapping, drone surveys, and mobile applications, and prepare a joint action plan to tackle them.
He also said that the proposed plan would be presented before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action.