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Maharashtra

Govt informs Bombay HC, will issue fresh notices to encroachers over ‘gairan’ land

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay high court that it will issue fresh notices to alleged encroachers on government owned ‘gairan’ land (open land used for cattle grazing), giving them 30 days to show why they should be allowed to continue occupation of the land.

According to government data, there are approximately 2,22,153 illegal constructions on its ‘gairan’ land, totalling 4.52 lakh hectares, of which the approximate encroached area is 10,089 hectares, or 2.23 per cent.

The HC had taken suo motu (on its own) cognizance of encroachments on such fodder land while dismissing another public interestlitigation (PIL) related to the issue in June 2022. In the earlier PIL, they had found that the petitioner had been pursuing a personal cause against a lawyer, cloaked as a PIL.


Government would give 30 days to the alleged encroachers to show that they were legally occupying the land

Advocate General Birendra Saraf submitted a draft notice before a division bench of Acting Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep Marne on Monday. Saraf said that the government would give 30 days to the alleged encroachers to show that they were legally occupying the land.

If they failed to reply in the stipulated time, then within 60 days thereafter, the government would take action as prescribed under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (MLRC).

As per earlier court directions, he also submitted a draft notice before the court. Amicus curiae (friend of the court), advocate Ashutosh Kulkarni, pointed out to the court that, in December 2022, the HC had asked the government to give details, indicating the basis for regularisation of some of these structures till July 2011.

Also, the court had asked the government to show the policy it had been following for removal of encroachment on ‘gairan’ land and submit a roadmap for the year. Kulkarni said that none of these had been done by the government.

However, Saraf said that they would be taking necessary steps as prescribed under the MLRC.

Justice Gangapurwala said that the persons should point out their rights to the government, which would help in deciding whether they were eligible for rehabilitation under any government scheme.

In December 2022, Bombay HC restrained the government from evicting and removing over two lakh illegal structures on ‘gairan’ land

An advocate for one of the persons pointed out to the court that the government has still not declared these lands as ‘gairan’ land. “First, these lands have to be declared gairan land and then the notices can be issued. Here, the government has directly issued notices,” said the advocate.

However, the court asked them to raise the point with the government in reply to the notices, as and when these would be issued. The HC has kept the matter for hearing in March.

The high court had, in December 2022, restrained the government from evicting and removing over two lakh illegal structures on ‘gairan’ land. The court had also directed the government to give a roadmap on what it proposed to do.

The government was also asked to give “a draft format of notice to be issued to the alleged encroachers of Gairan land, granting sufficient time to the noticees to establish their right to remain in occupation of such lands”. The government said the authorities had removed 24,513 encroachments from July 12, 2011, to September 15, 2022, while 12,652 encroachments had been regularised till July 12, 2011.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

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Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.

The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.

Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.

Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.

Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.

As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”

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Maharashtra

Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC arrests drug dealer Akbar Khao in major operation

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Mumbai: Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC Ghatkopar has claimed to have arrested drug dealer Mohammad Shafi Sheikh alias Akbar Khao on charges of drug trafficking. MCOCA was applied to him in the police station for drug trafficking and he was released on bail. Despite this, he used to supply drugs. ANC had arrested an accused in a drug case. During his investigation, it was revealed that Akbar Khao was a fugitive in this case. His details were known and clues were found. He is hiding in Odisha, after which the police arrested him from Raj Gangapur Sundergarh. A total of 15 cases have been registered against Akbar Khao, including NDPS Act and various crimes. Two NDPS Act cases are registered in VB Nagar. ANC has 2 NDPS drug trafficking cases, a total of 18 cases have been registered. The ANC has arrested two accused in this case and also seized drugs worth Rs 12 crore. This operation was carried out by ANC DCP Nunath Dhole on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.

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Maharashtra

State ready for Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat Mahayuti elections: Chief Minister Fadnavis

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In the Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat elections in Mumbai state, Mahayuti will contest the election as a united front and even where there is no electoral consensus in Mahayuti, there will be a friendly contest and it is hoped that the people of the state will trust Mahayuti in these elections. This claim has been made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. No formula for the distribution of seats in Mahayuti has been decided so far for the local body elections. However, where the alliance party and the BJP are strong, a formula for a solo contest has been decided, just like the talk of Eknath Shinde in Thana and BJP’s solo contest in Pune is common.

Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray and said that it is his job to insult him. If he is visiting the state, it is a good thing, but the people know everything and they will restore faith in Mahayuti in the elections. He said that the Election Commission has announced the elections. Uddhav Thackeray and the opposition want to postpone the elections, so they are alleging irregularities and rigging in the voting list. However, the Supreme Court has issued instructions to hold the elections soon, so it is not possible to postpone or delay the elections. Fadnavis expressed confidence that he has faith in the people. This time too, the people will agree with Mahayuti. Therefore, the opposition wants to postpone and postpone the elections, while Mahayuti is ready for the elections.

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