Maharashtra Minister Halts Demolitions for Ganesh Festival

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule orders a halt on demolitions during the Ganesh festival, responding to locals' requests. The suspension follows findings of tampered construction records prompting BMC's demolition drive. Actions against unauthorized constructions will resume post-festival, except for buildings erected on forged maps, facing immediate scrutiny.

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed officials not to carry out demolitions or issue threatening notices during the Ganesh festival. He emphasized that any required actions should commence after the celebrations, which begin on August 27.

Bawankule ordered the suspension of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's demolition drive in response to citizens' appeals, explaining it targets unauthorized constructions. He highlighted the discovery of tampered construction-related records, spurring the initial demolition orders.

Structures erected with fake maps remain under scrutiny. Nevertheless, Bawankule urged for leniency for pre-2011 structures and announced an extensive post-festival meeting to finalize actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)