Mumbai boosts Aarey staff security to curb illegal constructions swiftly
Mumbai’s Aarey Milk Colony administration will seek 40 to 50 additional personnel, tighter entry checks, and expanded surveillance to curb illegal constructions in the eco-sensitive zone. The move follows a series of demolitions this year and growing concerns over land grabs allegedly linked to organised encroachment networks, prompting officials to also propose enhanced security deployment during clearance operations.
According to the chief executive officer of Aarey Milk Colony, this year alone has seen 330 illegal structures demolished. To maintain this momentum and deter further activity, the administration will seek government approval for 40 to 50 dedicated personnel to carry out demolition drives and prevent the transport of construction material into the area.
Officials have confirmed that the Maharashtra Security Force or State Reserve Police Force could be stationed alongside local staff during operations to ensure safety during confrontations. Plans are also underway to install CCTV cameras at all three main entry points to Aarey, as well as in other strategic locations, to track and intercept vehicles bringing in unauthorised materials or dumping debris. The fresh measures come against the backdrop of growing frustration among legitimate residents of Aarey, including cattle farm owners, who often face bureaucratic delays in securing permits for necessary repairs, while illegal hutments in tribal hamlets appear to rise rapidly. Locals allege that a well-connected land mafia has been driving this wave of construction, exploiting gaps in enforcement.
Recent enforcement actions have been swift. After reports surfaced of new construction at Vanichapada, part of a tribal settlement, the remaining structure was dismantled and patrols were increased in the area. Officials have stated that ground teams have been instructed to take immediate action upon detecting illegal construction, without awaiting extended procedural clearances. Urban policy experts note that the pressure on Aarey’s land is not only a governance issue but also an environmental one. The colony serves as a critical green lung for Mumbai and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Unchecked construction threatens both its biodiversity and its role as a natural flood buffer.
Advocates for sustainable urban development argue that the solution lies in consistent enforcement paired with community engagement, ensuring residents understand the ecological value of the area. They emphasise that protecting Aarey is essential for maintaining the city’s climate resilience and controlling urban sprawl. For now, the focus remains on scaling up resources and using technology to close enforcement gaps. With surveillance upgrades, reinforced security, and a larger operational team, officials aim to curb further encroachments and safeguard one of Mumbai’s most contested and environmentally vital spaces.
