ANTI ENCROACHMENT DRIVE This petition is to thank Judiciary and Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation and their staff involved in the demolition drive. We the citizens of Thane are suffering for long now from inaction of Civic authorities towards encroachments and unauthorized structures. Planned urbanization is one of the hallmarks of modern civic society. Roads and footpaths are the life line of the city life. Unfortunately, we have narrow roads. With uncontrolled increase in the population with increasing number of vehicles every day, these roads are inadequate in all respects. Encroachment on this narrow space, not only adds to physical and mental strain but is also responsible for many accidents. Elders and children are the most sufferers. Municipal authorities are responsible to keep roads encroachment free and clean. We live in a democracy and political parties are supposed to monitor the functioning of such institutions without any fear or favor. Unfortunately, this space has been hijacked by criminals. Recent opposition to anti encroachment drive speaks volumes in this regards. It is a open secret that be it encroachment on the roads and footpaths or unauthorized constructions or noise pollution and solid waste disposal, they are the outcome of political patronage in connivance with civic authorities. No wonder the pain is felt by the masters. No individual can fight these monstrous elements alone. Thousands suffer because of inaction. Time has come that we unite at least to show support to those civic authorities who are implementing the order of honorable court without any fear. They need vocal and public sympathy against politicians who are trying to pressurize them to stop this drive. Let a new chapter be opened in the process of democracy where anti social element, be in the bureaucracy or under the shelter of political patronage are defeated. If we fail in this drive be prepared for more sufferings. This petition is going to speak for thousands of silent citizens. This petition is going to give strength to acting civic authorities for fearless action. This petition is going to endorse displeasure of citizens towards those politicians trying to shelter encroachments. Let’s try to build clean and encroachment free cities. Sign this petition and show the strength of this modern democratic nonviolent movement to those who are trying to make our cities ugly in our name. Mahesh Bedekar