India, Aug. 4 -- The Bombay High Court has directed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and the Thane Collector to initiate strict action against encroachments and unauthorised constructions in Yeoor Hills - a forested stretch within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park - including bungalows and commercial establishments allegedly built by local politicians and private entities.

The order was passed by a division bench of chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice Sandeep Marne while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by tribal rights activists. The petition alleged large-scale illegal transfers of tribal land, unauthorised construction of bungalows, and encroachments on public land within the protected forest zone.

The petitioner...