January 23, 2026: In a bid to curb illegal constructions across the city, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has unveiled a new digital platform, Netram, aimed at identifying fresh encroachments in Mumbai.
Developed at a cost of Rs 71 lakh, the system uses satellite imagery from multiple years to pinpoint structures built after designated cutoff dates. According to a senior official, the initiative was spearheaded by SRA CEO Mahendra Kalyankar. “Through this platform, changes, additions and deletions in encroachments between years are clearly marked, and every part of the map comes with details of the location, including land owning authority, CTS number, ward, etc., making issuing notices to the structure an easy process,” the official said.
Currently, Netram contains images from 2000—the original cutoff for slum rehabilitation eligibility—2011, and more recent years, including 2012, 2024, and 2025. Officers can compare two images using a slider tool, with new encroachments highlighted in red. The platform also analyzes shadows to detect increases in building height, providing records that can be used as evidence in court. The main goal is to remove encroachments established after 2011.
Work on Netram began in January 2025 and has been refined over several months in collaboration with BISAG N, a government agency handling national infrastructure planning. The only expenditure involved was for satellite imagery from the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre. Updates will be regularly added to the system.
While Netram makes it easier to identify illegal slums, ground-level action remains the responsibility of land-owning authorities, including the BMC, MMRDA, MHADA, the Collectorate, and central agencies. The SRA will function as a facilitator. “In December (2025), we started training officers from the authorities on how to use the platform, which will continue as and when the need arises. It will be on them to take action on the findings,” the official said.
Once encroachments are verified through ground surveys, photographs and details can be uploaded to the platform, streamlining notice issuance. However, officials acknowledge that removal may face delays due to staff shortages and heavy workloads.
Source: The Indian Express
