Data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has highlighted a significant gap between complaints about unauthorised construction in Mumbai and the action completed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Between March 2016 and October 26, 2026, the civic body’s Real-Time Encroachment Tracking Management System (RETMS) portal registered 214,917 complaints, but only 13,211 cases resulted in completed demolitions, accounting for approximately 6.15% of the total.
The figures were provided by the BMC’s Encroachment and Removal Department following an RTI application filed by activist Shakeel Ahmed Shaikh. Of the complaints received, 116,228 were categorised as duplicates, leaving 98,689 entries classified as actual complaints.
Enforcement Process Shows Significant Gaps
Among these remaining complaints, the BMC prepared notices in 60,332 cases and issued 57,521. Show-cause notices were served in 31,486 instances, while demolition was deemed necessary in 29,916 cases.
However, demolition arrangements were still pending in 15,318 cases. Arrangements had been completed in 1,387 cases, while actual demolition had taken place in 13,211. The report also recorded 38,098 complaints as closed, 13,734 awaiting closure and 3,428 notices closed following demolition.
These figures highlight the difference between issuing notices and carrying out enforcement on the ground.
Ward-Level Figures and Accountability Concerns
L Ward recorded 30,935 complaints but 637 demolitions. K-East registered 24,064 complaints and 1,325 demolitions, while M-East reported 14,510 complaints and 159 demolitions. P-South recorded 14,424 complaints and 1,932 demolitions, and K-West reported 11,433 complaints alongside 1,683 demolitions.
Shaikh stated that the BMC spends approximately Rs 50 crore annually on demolition drives, police protection and related administrative expenses. He also alleged instances of “bogus action”, although the RTI figures alone do not establish this claim.
The data raises questions about pending cases, duplicate classifications and the reasons behind complaint closures. Greater transparency regarding case status, departmental responsibility and enforcement timelines could help residents assess the civic body’s response to suspected illegal construction.
Source: Urban Acres
