Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a three-month special drive against unauthorised constructions in Mumbai’s slum areas from October 1, with structures measuring 14 feet or more in height coming under the civic body’s action.
The drive will continue until December 31, 2026, according to the civic administration. The BMC has appealed to residents of such structures to voluntarily remove unauthorised additions before enforcement teams begin action, warning that failure to comply could lead to demolition proceedings.
39,111 structures identified
The scale of the proposed action is significant. BMC data shows that Mumbai has around 2,23,150 slum structures, of which 39,111 have been identified as 14 feet or taller.
Of these, 3,348 are located in Mumbai city, 4,536 in the western suburbs and 31,227 in the eastern suburbs. The eastern suburbs therefore account for the overwhelming majority of the structures identified for action.
The civic body has already taken eviction-related action against 4,584 structures, while notices have been issued to another 611. Residents of the remaining structures have been asked to remove unauthorised portions themselves before the special drive begins.
#Mumbai : मुंबईत झोपडपट्टी परिसरातील अनधिकृत बांधकामांविरोधात १ ऑक्टोबर ते ३१ डिसेंबर २०२६ या कालावधीत विशेष मोहीम राबवण्यात येणार आहे.
या अंतर्गत १४ फूट आणि त्यापेक्षा अधिक उंचीच्या झोपड्यांवर कारवाई केली जाणार आहे.
नागरिकांनी अनधिकृत बांधकामे स्वतःहून तात्काळ हटवावीत, अन्यथा… pic.twitter.com/561QiNnvJM
— AIR News Mumbai, आकाशवाणी मुंबई (@airnews_mumbai) September 19, 2026
Safety concerns behind the crackdown
The proposed drive comes amid renewed scrutiny of unauthorised and potentially unsafe constructions in densely populated areas of Mumbai. The Indian Express reported that the civic action follows recent incidents including a landslide in Kurla and a house collapse in Mankhurd, both of which raised concerns over vulnerable and unauthorised housing structures.
Officials have indicated that the BMC, state government and Collector’s office are looking at coordinated action against encroachments. The Collector’s administration is also expected to undertake eviction-related action after the monsoon, subject to prescribed procedures and standard operating protocols.
Height rule draws opposition
The 14-foot criterion, however, has already triggered opposition from representatives of slum residents. Hindustan Times reported that a legal notice has been sent to the BMC Commissioner, SRA, MMRDA and the Housing Department seeking cancellation of the proposed drive.
The notice argues that the 14-foot restriction dates back to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, and calls for a review of the rule in light of present-day housing conditions. It has suggested alternatives including structural audits and rehabilitation-related measures rather than blanket demolition.
Political representatives have also raised concerns about the possible displacement of residents and have called for rehabilitation to be considered alongside any demolition action. These are claims and demands from the opposing side, rather than findings established by the BMC.
Wider anti-encroachment campaign
The October drive is part of a broader BMC campaign against unauthorised construction. Between August 24 and September 15, the civic body said it had carried out action against 128 unauthorised constructions, while action against another 140 structures was planned.
For now, the immediate focus is on structures measuring 14 feet or more, particularly unauthorised additions and constructions in slum areas. With nearly 40,000 structures falling into the identified category, the October 1 launch is likely to become a major test of how Mumbai balances enforcement of construction rules with rehabilitation and housing concerns.
