MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has announced a significant policy change allowing for the free regularization of residential encroachments up to 500 square feet that existed as of January 1, 2011, applicable statewide, but excluding Mumbai and its suburbs, according to a minister’s statement on Friday.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule clarified that encroachments on riverbeds, drains, grazing land, public roads, forests, cremation grounds, playgrounds, and designated school or hospital lands will not be regularized under any circumstances.
“Such encroachments will be removed, and families affected will be considered for alternative housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY),” he added.
The minister elaborated, “Encroachments up to 500 sq ft will be regularized at no cost, while any additional area will incur a fee of 10% based on the current market value. This policy will be uniformly applied across the state, with the exception of Mumbai and its suburban areas.”
“The regularized land will be jointly owned by husband and wife under the ‘Class-2 occupant’ category,” he stated.
This initiative will encompass both rural and urban settings, with a maximum of 1,500 sq ft of encroachment being regularized in each case; structures exceeding this area will be removed.
Required documents include voters’ lists, electricity bills, and property tax receipts dated prior to January 1, 2011, along with proof of residence from the previous year, according to Bawankule.
If part of the residence is used commercially, a fee of 25% of the market value will apply.
The minister announced that committees led by district collectors, sub-divisional officers, and tehsildars will oversee the implementation of this scheme, with district and constituency-level committees established for decision-making.
“We aim to ensure that no eligible family is left without shelter. By regularizing encroachments up to January 1, 2011, we are providing relief to underprivileged families, instilling stability within many homes. A review will occur every three months,” Bawankule stated.
