Uddhav Thackeray hints at demolition of constructions near water bodies

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday vowed to take ‘tough steps’ to prevent floods and protect lives and property. The tough steps would mean the state removing all unauthorised constructions and encroachments near water bodies in the state.

On Friday, Thackeray visited Kolhapur to take stock of the flood situation in the region. “Wherever I have gone, people have told me that they need a permanent solution from what is now becoming chronic flooding. Some tough decisions will have to be taken, or else this would keep recurring. This is the time to take these decisions,” he said while speaking to the reporters. “We cannot allow lives and property to be wasted like this.” Thackeray said unauthorised constructions have to be removed. Uddhav met opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis who is also touring the region and invited his party to have talks to ‘agree on these tough decisions’.

“Once all the four parties (Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress and BJP) agree on these decisions, there will not be any opposition to it.”said the chief minister.