Maha clears raising of special squads to help civic body

"The standing committee of the municipal corporation will have to present a proposal regarding its requirements to the state government after which special posts will be created in the police force for the purpose," a Home department official said.

The proposal, aimed at tackling encroachments, was pending for a long time. The civic bodies complained that they do not have an adequate machinery to control unauthorised constructions and take action against it.

According to the official, the budgetary provision to raise and maintain the squad will be made by the respective civic body.

The proposal was cleared recently by the Home department during a meeting where officials of all municipal corporations were present.

BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has complained that it does not get police cover during demolition drive. The proposed squad will be under the police commissioner and will be available for duty, whenever called by the civic body.

According to the official, the special squad will have powers to investigate cases filed under the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act and BMC Act.