The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has successfully demolished over 5,000 illegal structures within the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) between 2020 and 2024.
This extensive operation aims to clear the way for the development of a new township under a land pooling scheme, a key component of the region’s urban expansion strategy. The drive to remove these encroachments has been marked by substantial efforts from CIDCO, including the deployment of specialised teams tasked with addressing the challenge. The operation also extends beyond demolition, with CIDCO initiating criminal proceedings against offenders involved in illegal activities such as debris dumping and soil theft.
A CIDCO spokesperson detailed the scope of the enforcement actions, noting that 48 cases have been filed related to unauthorised dumping of debris and theft of soil. As part of these operations, 124 vehicles involved in illegal transportation of materials have been seized during nocturnal raids. The spokesperson emphasised that these measures have notably reduced the incidence of debris dumping in the area. “Our drive to eliminate encroachments will persist, and we will continue to enforce strict measures against illegal activities,” the spokesperson stated.
The scale of the demolition reflects CIDCO’s commitment to transforming the NAINA region into a well-planned, modern township. The area’s redevelopment is crucial for accommodating the growing needs of Navi Mumbai, particularly in light of the ongoing expansion of the airport and surrounding infrastructure.
The effort to address illegal structures highlights the broader challenge of managing urban growth and maintaining regulatory compliance in rapidly developing regions. CIDCO’s proactive stance aims to ensure that the new township can proceed without the complications posed by unauthorised constructions. As CIDCO continues its crackdown, the successful removal of these illegal structures will pave the way for the realisation of the region’s developmental goals and contribute to the orderly expansion of Navi Mumbai.
