The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has taken a strong stance against illegal bars and pubs in the city, demolishing several establishments in a crackdown on drug-related activities. This action follows a wave of concern sparked by viral videos showing alleged drug use by young people in a Pune hotel.
The TMC’s bulldozer action was initiated on the orders of Commissioner Saurabh Rao, acting on directives from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to make Thane and Mira-Bhayander drug-free zones. Just days earlier, similar measures were taken in Pune after two youths were allegedly caught consuming drugs in the washroom of a bar, which was operating beyond permitted hours.
The TMC stated that the demolition targeted pubs, bars, and other illegal establishments suspected of involvement in drug-related activities. A total of 31 paan stalls within 100 meters of schools and colleges in the municipal jurisdiction were also seized. In addition to the bars and pubs, 8 other illegal establishments, including hotels and sheds, were demolished.
The action was carried out across various wards in Thane. In Wagle Estate, Panchsheel Bar, Indian Taste Bar, unauthorized pan stalls, and gutkha vendors were targeted. In Vartak Nagar Ward Committee area, the Secret Bar and Hookah Parlour were demolished. Pubs and bars in Kothari Compound were also razed. The unauthorized construction of Social House Pub was demolished as well. In Uthalsar, unauthorized hotels and hookah parlours faced similar action. The Khushi Ladies Bar on Ghodbunder Road and Mayuri Ladies Bar at Ovala were also demolished.
TMC Deputy Commissioner GG Godepure affirmed that these actions are just the beginning, and the crackdown will continue until all unauthorized hotels, pubs, and bars within the municipal jurisdiction are completely removed. Chief Minister Shinde has emphasized the need for stringent measures, citing the negative impact of drug use on the younger generation.
