Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Announces ₹10 Crore Fine On Satsang Group For Illegal Dumping In Ulhas Riverbed

An organisation faces a hefty ₹10,16,17,141 fine for illegally dumping debris in the Ulhas and Waldhuni riverbeds near Badlapur, Thane district, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced in the Legislative Council. He warned that failure to pay the fine and clear the encroachments will trigger strict action. To curb such violations statewide, the government plans to establish a task force and conduct red and blue line surveys for all rivers.

The issue of encroachments in the Ulhas and Waldhuni riverbeds was raised in the Legislative Council by MLC Anil Parab, with MLCs Pravin Darekar, Satej Patil, and Dr. Manisha Kayande also seeking clarifications on the government’s policies and actions.

MLC Anil Parab highlighted the illegal debris dumping and encroachments in the Ulhas and Waldhuni riverbeds near Badlapur. MLC Pravin Darekar demanded action against encroachments in Ganpat Patil Nagar and illegal debris dumping by builders along creek shores, questioning, “Revenue department lands are being illegally occupied, and officials have turned a blind eye. What action will be taken?”

MLC Satej Patil raised concerns about the responsibility for red and blue line demarcation, asking, “Why hasn’t the Water Resources Department surveyed the state’s 100 rivers and 5,000–6,000 kilometers of riverbeds? What is the policy to curb encroachments?” MLC Dr. Manisha Kayande drew attention to illegal debris dumping and construction waste at the Mahim creek and Mithi river confluence, stating, “Construction debris is being dumped in Mahim creek, with walls deliberately left open. Will action be taken?”

Responding to these concerns, Minister Bawankule revealed that the Satsang organization had excavated soil from 10 hectares of land and illegally dumped it in the riverbed, posing a flood risk. Following a visit by local corporators and the Kalyankar Committee head on June 25, 2025, a case was filed, and three poclains were seized. “A fine of ₹10,16,17,141 has been imposed, to be recovered within one month, failing which strict action will follow,” he asserted.

“With the Chief Minister’s approval, the Revenue Department will impose fines, and the Home Department will file criminal cases. A statement will be issued soon,” he stated, adding that a decision on filing a criminal case against the Satsang organization will be made post-investigation.

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Addressing MLC Satej Patil’s query, Bawankule confirmed that red and blue line surveys for the state’s 100 rivers and 5,000–6,000 kilometers of riverbeds will be conducted by the Water Resources and Revenue Departments, prioritizing compliance with NGT orders.

Responding to MLC Pravin Darekar, he assured, “The District Collector will visit Ganpat Patil Nagar within three days to take action, and a task force will address builders’ encroachments along Mumbai’s creek shores.” For MLC Manisha Kayande’s concerns about Mahim creek, he directed the Konkan Divisional Commissioner and Suburban District Collector to initiate an immediate inquiry.