🔴 By | Arvind Jadhav | PR Network
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to intensify its crackdown on unauthorised constructions and encroachments across Mumbai. The civic body has announced a special three-month drive from October 1 to December 31, 2026, targeting unauthorised structures in slum areas, particularly those measuring 14 feet or more in height.
The latest move comes as the civic administration steps up efforts to prevent the expansion of illegal constructions and reclaim public spaces. The BMC has appealed to residents occupying unauthorised structures to remove such additions voluntarily, warning that action will otherwise be taken according to the applicable legal provisions.
🟡 More Than 39,000 Tall Slum Structures Identified
According to BMC figures, Mumbai has approximately 2,23,150 slum structures. Of these, 39,111 structures are 14 feet or more in height and have been identified for action.
The largest concentration is in the eastern suburbs, with 31,227 such structures. The western suburbs account for 4,536, while 3,348 are located in Mumbai city. BMC data also shows that action has already been taken against 4,584 of these structures, while notices have been issued to another 611.
🟡 BMC’s Recent Encroachment Action
The proposed slum drive follows a series of anti-encroachment operations carried out by the civic body in different parts of Mumbai.
Between August 24 and September 15, 2026, BMC reportedly carried out removal action against 128 unauthorised constructions, while action against another 140 structures has been proposed. The administration has also appealed to citizens not to undertake unauthorised construction in the first place.
In June, the BMC demolished 17 unauthorised commercial structures in Andheri, after alleging that they had encroached upon public footpaths. The action followed notices asking the establishments to vacate the encroached areas voluntarily.
🟡 Footpaths Also Under BMC Focus
The civic body’s anti-encroachment strategy is not limited to slum structures. Under its ‘Pedestrian First’ initiative, BMC has been working to remove encroachments from footpaths and restore space for pedestrians.
The first phase of a project covering 30 roads in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs involved clearing illegal encroachments. The next phase is planned around redesigning footpaths to provide better pedestrian space in areas such as Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, Nahur and Mulund.
🟡 Action Against Illegal Alterations in Buildings
The civic administration has also taken action against unauthorised alterations in formal residential buildings.
On August 24 and 25, 2026, BMC carried out removal action against unauthorised constructions and alterations in nine flats at Rustomjee Crown in Prabhadevi, citing violations of the approved building plan and Floor Space Index regulations.
This indicates that the civic body’s enforcement activity is extending beyond traditional slum and roadside encroachments to alleged violations within approved buildings as well.
🟡 Preventing Fresh Encroachments
For Mumbai, the larger challenge is not only removing existing encroachments but also preventing new ones from appearing after demolition drives.
Regular inspections, timely notices, monitoring of vulnerable public land, protection of footpaths and roads, and prompt action against fresh unauthorised construction can play an important role in preventing re-encroachment.
The BMC’s latest campaign also places emphasis on voluntary removal before enforcement, giving occupants an opportunity to remove unauthorised additions themselves before civic action is taken.
🟡 Legal Monitoring Also Remains Important For The City
The issue of encroachments has also attracted judicial attention. In February 2026, the Bombay High Court raised concerns over the continuing problem of road encroachments in Mumbai and questioned the effectiveness of civic enforcement.
In another matter, the High Court criticised delays within the BMC in pursuing appeals related to demolition notices, while allowing the civic body to conduct fresh inspections and issue new notices where existing illegalities are found.
🟡 Three Months of Focused Enforcement
The October 1 to December 31 campaign therefore comes at a time when BMC is already undertaking multiple forms of anti-encroachment action across Mumbai.
The immediate focus will be on 14-foot-and-above unauthorised slum structures, but the wider objective is to strengthen enforcement against unauthorised construction, protect public spaces and discourage the creation of new encroachments.
For residents, traders and property occupants, the latest action also highlights the importance of checking the legal status of any construction or alteration and maintaining the relevant permissions and documents before carrying out additions or modification
