Panvel: A demolition drive by CIDCO was abruptly halted in Phanaswadi near Karanjade, Panvel, after MLA Prashant Thakur staged a dramatic protest on-site. Thakur demanded a complete halt to the demolition until a concrete and inclusive policy for the rehabilitation of tribal families in the Panvel-Uran region is finalized. In a bold move, he also threatened self-immolation if the drive continued.
Thakur, accompanied by Uran MLA Mahesh Baldi, insisted that no demolition activity should proceed without a clear and fair rehabilitation plan. “If action is taken on these homes after I leave, I will set myself on fire here,” Thakur declared, echoing the deep anguish and resistance of the local tribal community.
CIDCO officials had reached the site with heavy machinery, fire department personnel, and a police force, prepared to demolish approximately 32 homes, which local residents claim have stood since 1980 and were constructed under the Indira Awas Yojana. Upon learning about the operation, Thakur rushed to the spot, joined the protestors, and staged a sit-in protest, drawing widespread public and media attention.
In response to the escalating tension, CIDCO invited Thakur and Baldi for a closed-door meeting at its Belapur office. The meeting included CIDCO Managing Director Vijay Singhal, Joint MDs Dr. Raja Dayanidhi and Ganesh Deshmukh, and Chief Vigilance Officer Suresh Mengade. Both MLAs strongly advocated for the rights of the tribal residents and demanded a long-term resolution.
Following the discussions, Thakur announced that CIDCO had agreed to take a strategic policy decision regarding the issue. CIDCO assured that the matter would be addressed positively in the upcoming board meeting, and handed over a formal letter of assurance, stating that no further action would be taken until a rehabilitation policy is in place.
Thakur emphasized that this was not merely a local development issue but a matter of tribal rights and human dignity. He also stated that he would soon meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek further support from the state government.
