Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday assured the State Legislative Council that strict action will be taken against those causing environmental degradation in Mahabaleshwar and Matheran.

He also guaranteed that the state government will ensure these lands are not converted to ‘Freehold’ (Class-1) under any circumstances.

He said that the state government has taken serious note of illegal decisions regarding the leasing of government lands in the ecologically sensitive zones of Pune and Konkan divisions, as well as unauthorised constructions built in violation of lease conditions.

Responding to a calling-attention motion, the Revenue Minister clarified that a high-level committee, chaired by the Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agarwal, will be appointed to investigate the entire matter.

An action taken report will be tabled during the next Assembly session.

“On February 8, 2022, 26 leased land parcels in Mahabaleshwar were converted from ‘Class-2’ to ‘Class-1’ (Freehold). This decision sparked fears of rampant, unchecked construction that could severely endanger Mahabaleshwar’s environment. The conversion was pushed through despite strong opposition from both the Law and Judiciary Department and the Environment Department. Once the matter came to the government’s notice, a committee was immediately formed, and the controversial order was revoked,” Minister Bawankule said.

The Minister added that some individuals involved in the case have approached the High Court and obtained a stay order.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 4.

Minister Bawankule assured the House that the state government will present a strong case in court to prevent these invaluable lands from being permanently handed over to private entities.

The Minister said that since the British era, Matheran has had 514 plots, 194 market sites, and 219 residential lands allocated on lease.

However, multiple laws have been flouted here, leading to widespread breaches of lease conditions (shartabhanga) and environmental damage through illegal tree felling.

Addressing this, the Revenue Minister added, “A comprehensive inspection of lease violations and unauthorised constructions in Matheran and Mahabaleshwar will be completed within the next three months. Decisions on which structures to demolish and which to permit will be made strictly in accordance with forest and environmental policies. Encroachments in eco-sensitive zones will not be tolerated.”

Participating in the discussion, Bharatiya Janata Party MLC Pravin Darekar launched a sharp attack on the state administration.

Darekar alleged, “The District Collector misused his authority, effectively allowing a second, illegal township to crop up in Mahabaleshwar. Regulatory authorities turned a blind eye. In Matheran, tourists have no space to park vehicles while government lands are being sold off.”

He demanded stringent action against the guilty officials.

On the other hand, Nationalist Congress Party MLC Aniket Tatkare emphasised a balanced approach, saying that while action must be taken against violators, local livelihoods dependent on tourism should be safeguarded.

–IANS

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