Squatters on Sion-Panvel highway get notices

A flower stall set up on the busy highway has led to more traffic snarls along the stretch.

The various encroachments that have come up along the Sion-Panvel highway, leading to the Pune road, will soon be cleared. The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has issued notices to 500 people to remove their stalls.

RDC is coordinating with the other agencies to ensure there is not a single encroachment left on the stretch.

NH4 begins from Kalamboli and extends through Panvel. Earlier, the highway was under the jurisdiction of PWD. A few years ago, it was transferred to RDC.

Since the traffic volume on the highway is high, there are regular traffic snarls near Panvel. An elevated road was constructed to counter it. However, owing to the presence of some commercial shanties opposite ST bus depot, there is still some work left. Source say that a monthly rent ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs20,000 is paid for the shanties on the roads.

The area between Netrajyot Hospital and Kiba hotel has reportedly been rented out by a local claiming to be project-affected, for a nursery, garage and other commercial purpose.

PMC Shiv Sena group leader, Ramesh Gudekar has regularly raised the issue of encroachment.

Gudekar said, “Shops selling old furniture are hurdles in the regular flow of traffic and may lead to accidents.”

Sanjay Gangurde, executive engineer, RDC said, “Arrangements have been made for machinery, personnel and the infrastructure required for removing the encroachments. ”

“Around 500 encroachments along the highway have been issued notices. We will soon hold a meeting with the deputy commissioner of police (traffic) and Panvel regional officer and action will follow immediately.”