The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will launch a special drive against unauthorised constructions in Mumbai’s slum areas from October 1 to December 31, 2026, focusing on hutments that are 14 feet or more in height.
The civic administration has identified 39,111 such structures across Mumbai and plans to take removal action against unauthorised additions during the three-month campaign. Residents have been advised to dismantle illegal extensions on their own to avoid enforcement action.
The drive is being carried out under the directions of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, with Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lawangare overseeing the initiative and Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) Devender Singh leading the enforcement operation.
Over 39,000 Hutments Identified
According to civic data, Mumbai has approximately 2,23,150 hutments across the island city and suburbs. Of these, 39,111 have been identified as measuring 14 feet or more in height.
The largest concentration is in the eastern suburbs, which account for 31,227 such structures. Another 4,536 are located in the western suburbs, while 3,348 are in the city area.
The BMC said action has already been taken against 4,584 hutments, while notices have been issued to another 611. The civic body has asked occupants of the remaining structures to remove unauthorised portions voluntarily.
Focus on Unauthorised Vertical Extensions
The campaign comes alongside the BMC’s ongoing “Pedestrian First” initiative, under which unauthorised hawkers, structures and other obstructions are being removed from footpaths.
The civic body said unauthorised vertical extensions have become more common in densely populated slum settlements, where limited space has encouraged some occupants to add floors or increase the height of existing structures.
The latest operation is aimed specifically at structures exceeding the prescribed height limit.
Enforcement Already Underway
The BMC has continued routine action against unauthorised construction through its various ward offices. Between August 24 and September 15, officials carried out removal action against 128 unauthorised structures, while proceedings have been proposed against another 140.
The administration has urged residents not to undertake illegal construction and has appealed to those who have already carried out unauthorised additions to remove them voluntarily.
Three-Month Special Drive
During the special campaign, civic teams will focus on identifying and acting against structures exceeding the 14-foot threshold. The operation is expected to cover slum settlements across the city and its eastern and western suburbs.
The BMC’s latest move adds another layer to its broader enforcement programme against unauthorised construction and encroachments across Mumbai.
With nearly 40,000 hutments identified for scrutiny, the October-December campaign is set to be a major civic enforcement exercise focused on unauthorised vertical growth in the city’s slum areas.
Source: Loksatta
