The Maharashtra government has formed a ten-member committee to frame a policy for regularising encroachments made before 2011.

The panel was set up on September 24. It will cover Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the state's three biggest urban areas. It has three months to submit its report.

Encroachment cases are a major issue in Maharashtra's cities. Thousands of structures were built on public or disputed land over the years. Courts have ordered demolitions in some cases, while residents seek legal status for old settlements.

The committee will study the legal position, examine past policies and suggest a framework for regularisation. It will also look at how other states handled similar cases.

Urban planners say the issue is complex. Regularisation can help residents but may also encourage new encroachments if not handled carefully.

The report will go to the state government, which will take the final decision on any policy change.