The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 39,111 slum structures measuring 14 feet or more for enforcement action as part of a three-month special drive across Mumbai and its suburbs. The campaign will run from October 1 to December 31, with residents asked to remove unauthorised portions voluntarily before civic teams take action.
BMC is set to intensify action against unauthorised constructions in Mumbai’s slum areas, with a special drive beginning on October 1.
According to civic data, Mumbai has 2,23,150 slum structures, of which 39,111 are 14 feet or taller. These structures have been identified for action under the BMC’s current enforcement drive.
The identified structures are spread across the city, with the eastern suburbs accounting for 31,227 structures. Another 4,536 are located in the western suburbs, while 3,348 are in the island city.
The BMC has asked residents living in unauthorised structures to remove unauthorised additions or constructions voluntarily before the drive begins. Those who do not comply could face demolition action by the civic body.
The civic administration has already acted against 4,584 structures and issued notices to another 611 structures, according to reports citing BMC data. The remaining identified structures are expected to come under the special drive.
Why The BMC Is Taking Action
The proposed drive follows a series of incidents involving unsafe and unauthorised structures in Mumbai.
In August, eight people were killed in a landslide in Kurla, where housing settlements were located along a hill. Earlier, six children died after a house collapsed in Mankhurd following heavy rainfall. The incidents have intensified scrutiny of informal housing and construction in vulnerable locations.
The BMC has said the action will focus on unauthorised portions and structures that fall within the category identified by the civic administration.
Eastern Suburbs Have Largest Share
The eastern suburbs account for nearly four-fifths of the structures identified for action, with 31,227 of the 39,111 structures located in the region.
The western suburbs account for 4,536 structures, while the island city has 3,348. A large number of these settlements are located on land owned by the state government or Union government departments.
Drive Faces Opposition
The BMC’s decision has also faced opposition from elected representatives and political parties, with concerns raised over the proposed action and rehabilitation of affected residents.
Corporators across party lines have questioned the basis for selecting structures based on the 14-foot threshold and have sought greater consultation before demolition action.
Representatives opposing the drive have also called for eligible residents to be rehabilitated before any demolition takes place. The issue has led to further discussions between elected representatives and the civic administration ahead of the October 1 start date.
The BMC’s special drive is scheduled to continue until December 31, 2026.
Source: NDTV Profit
