2 weeks ago
Bombay HC Orders Favour-Free Removal of Kandivali Lake Encroachments
The Bombay High Court is overseeing work around a lake in Kandivali West.
Some buildings, huts and slums have been identified as possible encroachments.
Officials must check whether these structures are legally protected before removing them.
People living there can show documents claiming they have a legal right to the land.
The court said no person should receive special treatment because of influence or power.
The administration must work with several government departments.
After clearing eligible structures, officials must plant new mangroves.
The lake must also be kept clean and protected from future dumping.
The Bombay High Court directed authorities to remove legally removable encroachments around a natural lake in Charkop, Kandivali West.
The court said the action must be independent, lawful and unaffected by powerful or influential individuals.
The district administration reported joint inspections, structure verification, classification and statutory notices to encroachers.
Encroachers will be allowed to submit documents establishing title or interest before legally removable structures are cleared.
The court permitted lake beautification, ordered new mangrove planting and required ongoing prevention of garbage dumping.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court, the Mumbai Suburban District administration and the BMC are involved; encroachers may submit documents for consideration.
- What
- Authorities were directed to remove legally removable encroachments and support conservation and beautification of a natural lake.
- Where
- A natural lake in Charkop Sector 7, Kandivali West, Mumbai, within a 50-metre mangrove buffer zone.
- When
- The order was reported on August 18, 2026; removal is to be completed within six weeks after September 30, 2026, with a compliance hearing on September 11.
- Why
- The action is intended to protect the lake and mangroves, regulate water inflow, prevent garbage dumping and enable beautification work.
Key facts
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Location
- Charkop Sector 7, Kandivali West, Mumbai
- Environmental setting
- The lake lies within a 50-metre buffer zone of mangroves.
- Proposed lake work
- The BMC proposed a gabion wall to regulate water inflow and prevent garbage from entering the lake.
- Administrative steps
- Officials reported joint inspections, physical verification, structure classification and statutory notices.
- Removal timeline
- Structures legally liable for removal are to be cleared within six weeks after September 30, 2026.
- Next hearing
- The petition will be heard on September 11 for stage-wise compliance.
Quotes
Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad
Bench of the Bombay High Court
“removal of garbage and clearing of garbage is not a solitary act of cleaning of the area”
freepressjournal.in
“without showing any favour to any person”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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