Government to back forest land residents in Supreme Court.

On Wednesdaythestate government said that it would admit its failure to correct land records and plead with the Supreme court to regularise the buildings.The state government has also decided to levy a nominal penalty of 70 paise per square foot to regularised these buildings.Govt. has decided to recommend de-notification of the land and identification of alternative land for afforestation.However,a final decision on the will be taken by the Supreme Court.The matter will come for hearing on 28th April.Forest Minister said that they would be willing to consider applications for development of the vacant land notified as private forest land.A residents' delegation led by Charan Simgh Sapra and president of HRWA Prakash Padikkal called on CM Vilasrao Deshmukh on 23th April to discuss the issue.Forest Minister,chief secretary,land and revenue,BMC commissioner,Thane district collector and Thane's chief conservator.were present for the meeting.