THANE: The Thane municipal corporation, Monday, undertook a major demolition drive on illegal constructions and extensions made by popular hotels and resorts in Yeour following complaints from the Indian Air Force and local tribal population of nuisance caused by visitors at night, officials informed.
The collective area where these illegal extensions including temporary sheds, shamianas built over lawns was collectively around 1.42 lakh sq feet land which is roughly equal to the size of three football fields.
Sources said the ownership of the land where these units – namely Lalala Bar, Bombay Duck, Garwa, Light House, Secrets of Yeour, Safari Woods, Mountain Spirit- were constructed could also be scrutinised, sources said. It is learnt that some of these units could be co-owned by prominent names from Thane city.
It may be recalled that hundreds of local Yeour tribal natives including women and environment activists staged a sudden rasta roko at the entry gate to the hills, late Sunday evening, protesting the nuisance created by tourists patronising the mushrooming illegal structures in the eco-sensitive zone. The locals complained that tourists flocked the area despite the government barring entry of visitors post 6pm.
NCP SP- MLA Jitendra Awhad complained how unchecked illegal activities in the area were blatantly done by prominent netas from Thane impacting the ecology over the years. “There is unchecked use of loudspeakers, halogen lamps and loud speakers which distracts the nocturnal birds and insects. The damage is to this extent that several species of birds and animals that once flocked here are now missing,” he claimed questioning how these facilities operated without valid permits.
Activist Nishant Bangera said that the access of visitors who often stayed back till late night hampered the peace and tranquillity of the locals staying in this area. A local woman complained how drunken visitors often threatened the safety of their womenfolk. The administration has always been turning a blind’s eye towards our complaints, she lamented.
The Thane Corporation meanwhile said, “We received complaints of possible security breach to the air force base at Yeour by the Air force due to proximity of a restaurant while local tribals staying in hamlets around the area complained of nuisance caused by revellers following which we undertook the drive. Action has been taken on seven popular bar and restaurants operating there and warning of stern action has also been issued in case there is any attempt to reconstruct the demolished structures,” informed a municipal official.
