Thane Demolition Drives Anger, Heartbreak as Residents Question Authorities Over Illegal Buildings

Thane, Maharashtra — The skyline of Shil near Mumbra is rapidly changing as a cluster of illegal buildings faces demolition following a Supreme Court decision. Hundreds of families, like that of Mohd Irfan Ansari, are now grappling with the collapse not just of concrete structures but of lifelong dreams and savings.

The apex court’s ruling upheld the Bombay High Court’s earlier order, sealing the fate of the disputed buildings in the Khan Compound area along the Mumbra-Diva fringe. The judgment has triggered emotional turmoil, with residents blaming the authorities for allowing such structures to come up unchecked.

"Where were the authorities when these buildings were being constructed?" asks Abdur Rehman, echoing the sentiments of many affected citizens. "Why aren’t the officials who allowed this being held responsible?"

Homes Lost, Hopes Dashed

Mohd Irfan Ansari, who lived in the now-illegal Madina Complex, invested all he had into securing what he thought would be a better life. “We had legal power connections. There was no indication this was illegal,” he said.

Like him, several others had been drawn to the area by the promise of affordability and modern exteriors. However, beneath the surface, these buildings were ticking time bombs—unauthorized, structurally vulnerable, and situated in a locality lacking even basic infrastructure.
 

Crushed Businesses and Displaced Lives

For Firoz Khan, who moved from Mumbai, the destruction goes beyond a home. He lost two shops and his residence in the demolition drive. “I believed the documents shown to us were legitimate. My relatives also bought flats here,” he lamented.

Residents say they were misled by builders and agents who showcased false documentation and made grand promises. The area, nearly a kilometre from the Mumbra-Panvel highway, suffers from poor roads, no streetlights, and lacks an official identity.

Sakina Khan, another Madina Complex resident, recounted selling her farmland in Uttar Pradesh to invest in what she hoped would be a secure life in Mumbai. “Now it’s all gone. There’s nothing left.”

Since last week, electricity has been cut in the area, and some families are relying on noisy generators for power. In the chaos, individuals like Mohd Zainul Abdi are seen caring for vulnerable relatives, including elderly patients with heart conditions.
 

Official Silence, Ongoing Demolition

Despite the human toll, the Thane Municipal Corporation continues with the demolition drive under judicial directive. However, municipal commissioner Saurabh Rao has not yet issued a statement on future plans or rehabilitation efforts.

The story is not just about illegal buildings—it’s about broken trust, institutional negligence, and a system where homebuyers end up paying the ultimate price.

As the bulldozers continue their grim work, the only question echoing across Shil’s dusty lanes remains: Where were the authorities when these buildings were being built?