BMC to launch special drive against high-rise illegal slums in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a special drive to remove illegal structures in slum areas from October 1 to December 31. The campaign specifically targets shanties that are 14 feet or higher in height.

Out of a total of 223,150 slums in Mumbai and its suburbs, approximately 39,111 are identified as being 14 feet or taller. This includes 3,348 in the city, 4,536 in the western suburbs, and 31,227 in the eastern suburbs. To date, removal actions have already been taken against 4,584 such structures, and 611 have received notices.

Under the direction of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and the guidance of Additional Commissioner Prajakta Verma-Lavangare, the administration is urging residents to remove illegal constructions themselves to avoid strict enforcement actions. Between August 24 and September 15, 128 illegal structures were removed, with 140 more actions proposed.