An incident in Mumbai’s Vidyavihar has drawn sharp public reaction after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reportedly carried out a partial demolition of an 87-year-old woman’s residence during work linked to a proposed flyover project. The action involved the home of Catherine Gomes, located in Vidyavihar Gaothan, and has raised concerns about the execution of civic operations.
According to reports, the civic body had earlier issued a notice to the family regarding construction activity associated with the flyover development. While the family did not agree to a full handover of the property for demolition, they had permitted officials to undertake limited repair-related work on the structure.
However, after the deadline for the repair work expired, authorities allegedly initiated demolition activity at the site. During the process, portions of the house, including the balcony, were dismantled. Sources suggested that the initial plan was to remove only select sections of the structure. This approach was later reportedly altered due to concerns related to access and operational safety, resulting in a larger portion of the residence being affected than originally intended.
The development caused significant emotional distress to Gomes, who was present inside the house at the time. According to Mumbai News, she remained in the kitchen as the demolition unfolded and witnessed parts of her home being torn down, leaving her deeply shaken.
The episode has triggered broader concerns about how enforcement actions are carried out, particularly in cases involving elderly residents. While the BMC maintained that the family did not comply within the stipulated timeline, critics have questioned whether adequate communication and sensitivity were exercised before proceeding with the demolition.
The incident has once again brought attention to issues of accountability, transparency, and humane conduct in infrastructure-related civic interventions across Mumbai, especially when they directly impact vulnerable residents.
Source: Lokmat Times
