In a significant development following a persistent citizen-led campaign, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has initiated the process to reclaim encroached land in Turbhe’s Sector 19F. The move comes after continuous efforts by social activist Sanket Doke, who has been pursuing the issue since 2022.
The contested plots—numbered 1+5, 2+3, 4+48, and 4A—had reportedly been encroached upon during the COVID-19 period. Doke had repeatedly raised the matter with CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, demanding the removal of illegal settlements and proper development of the land to generate employment opportunities. Despite the land being originally allotted to certain commercial entities, it remained undeveloped for over 25 years.
Due to prolonged inaction, the area saw the rise of unauthorized slums, illegal garages, vehicle parking, and increasing influence of land mafias. Frustrated by the deteriorating conditions, local citizens led by Doke held a large protest on December 24, 2024, in front of the plots at Sector 26. The agitation drew the attention of State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who accepted a memorandum from the protestors on the spot.
Following the protest, CIDCO began formal action and has since installed signboards declaring the land as CIDCO property. While the signs were later removed by alleged encroachers, officials confirmed that the process of reclaiming and securing the land has commenced.
Residents of Sector 26, who have long expressed concerns over illegal activities—including drug trafficking, extortion, and criminal activity stemming from unauthorized garages—have welcomed CIDCO’s action. The move has raised hopes for the restoration of law and order in the area.
“CIDCO’s intervention marks a crucial step toward the eventual redevelopment of the long-neglected land, and citizens remain optimistic that further action will follow to clear the illegal encroachments entirely,” said Doke.
