The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday carried out a large-scale demolition drive in Worli, removing 169 unauthorised structures in Madraswadi along the Mumbai Coastal Road corridor. Officials from the G South ward, under supervision of senior civic authorities, executed the operation near Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, aiming to safeguard the ₹14,000-crore Mumbai Coastal Road Project and maintain urban infrastructure integrity.
While the constructions initially appeared as routine encroachments, civic activists have alleged a larger design to illegally access high-value real estate along Mumbai’s western seafront. According to experts, some developers may have attempted to list occupants as Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to gain eligibility for slum rehabilitation, potentially opening access to reclaimed land for commercial projects. The coastal road, spanning eight lanes and connecting Marine Lines to Bandra West, has reclaimed approximately 70 hectares from the Arabian Sea. While BMC has earmarked this land for public use, its prime location has intensified speculative interest, prompting stricter monitoring and enforcement measures. Officials stressed that the removal of illegal structures is essential not only for preserving civic order but also for ensuring uninterrupted infrastructure work, including sewer line construction and retaining wall maintenance in Madraswadi and Markandeshwar Nagar.
Civic authorities said the demolished structures had contributed to waterlogging during monsoon months, further highlighting the need for regulatory enforcement. Around 35 BMC personnel, supported by Worli police and heavy machinery, carried out the demolition. Officials emphasised that the drive aligns with broader goals of sustainable urban development and public safety, ensuring that high-priority infrastructure projects proceed without obstructions. Urban planning experts noted that controlling unauthorised construction along reclaimed land is critical for maintaining environmental and civic standards. “Illegal encroachments not only impede project timelines but also compromise long-term urban sustainability and equitable access to public spaces,” said a senior municipal official overseeing coastal road development.
Friday’s operation is part of the BMC’s ongoing effort to enforce civic regulations, protect public land, and prevent misuse of high-value areas along the western seafront. Authorities have pledged continued vigilance to ensure that major infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and in accordance with urban planning and environmental norms. As Mumbai continues to expand its coastal infrastructure, experts believe that stringent enforcement against illegal structures is vital for sustainable city growth, equitable public access, and the prevention of land speculation along the city’s prime waterfront corridors.
Also Read: Delhi Municipal Corporation launches month-long drive to clean 517 garbage hotspots
