The Forest Department has intensified its action against encroachments in protected forest areas of Vasai-Virar. In a recent operation, illegal structures covering approximately 1,600 square feet were demolished at three different locations: Bilalpada, Achole, and Waliv.

These areas fall within the Mandvi forest range, and officials have said that the operation was necessary to protect valuable forest land from being misused for illegal construction.

What Triggered the Action?

In the last few years, Vasai-Virar’s eastern region has seen an increase in illegal encroachments on forest land. Some of these forests are part of the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, while others are officially marked as protected forest zones.

Encroachments often begin small, with a few sheds or walls, and quickly turn into full-fledged buildings. Such unauthorized activities pose serious threats to the ecosystem. Trees are cut, land is leveled, and often, wildlife is disturbed or displaced.

Despite regular warnings, the trend of illegal construction has been on the rise. This prompted the Forest Department to step in.

Where Did the Demolition Take Place?

The action was carried out in the following areas:

  • Bilalpada (Nalasopara East): Forest Survey No. 94
  • Achole – Shirdi Nagar area: Forest Survey No. 251
  • Waliv: Forest Survey No. 76

All three places had unauthorized construction within lands officially listed as protected forest zones. The buildings had no legal permission and violated multiple forest and environmental regulations.

How Was the Operation Carried Out?

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Rita Vaidya, the Forest Range Officer of the Mandvi Division. She led a team of dedicated officers and forest guards who ensured the demolition was swift and lawful.

The team involved in the operation included:

  • Yatish Tare (Forest Officer)
  • Prabhakar Kudalkar
  • Padmakar Kendre (Forest Guard)
  • Santosh Patil
  • Pankaj Yadav
  • Kishor Rajput
  • Swati Darade
  • Sanjay Sambhar
  • Vijay Raut
  • Sanjay Pagi

Using machinery and manual labor, the team demolished sheds, walls, and concrete structures that had come up illegally. By the end of the operation, the department had successfully cleared about 1600 square feet of land.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

The forests around Vasai-Virar are not just empty lands. They are part of a fragile ecosystem that includes a variety of trees, birds, and wild animals. These areas help in keeping the air clean, maintaining ground water levels, and offering a natural escape from the growing urban sprawl.

When illegal buildings come up, not only is the law broken, but the environment suffers greatly. Wildlife loses its space, trees are cut, and natural water bodies are polluted or destroyed.

Officials say that allowing even one illegal structure to stay can encourage dozens of others to follow, leading to permanent loss of forest cover.

What Happens Next?

This is not the end of the road. Forest officials confirmed that more such operations will follow in the coming weeks. They have identified several other areas where unauthorized construction is underway. These too will face similar action if the structures are not removed voluntarily.

People involved in encroaching forest land may also face legal consequences, including fines and possible imprisonment, under the Forest Conservation Act and other relevant laws.

The department is also calling on citizens to support their efforts. Locals are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or unauthorized construction near forest areas.

An Appeal to the Public

Forest officials have urged people not to buy or invest in land that falls within forest zones. Many times, buyers are misled by brokers and builders who promise legal ownership, but later find themselves in trouble when the government demolishes the structures.

“If you are unsure about the legality of a land parcel, check the official records or consult with the forest department,” an official advised.

Conclusion

The Vasai-Virar region is rapidly urbanizing, but that growth needs to happen responsibly. Forests cannot be sacrificed for unplanned buildings and short-term profits.

With this firm step, the Forest Department has made it clear that protected areas are not up for grabs. As the city grows, a balance must be maintained between development and nature. And actions like this are a reminder that the law still stands strong — especially when it comes to protecting what little green we have left.