Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday intensified its crackdown on unauthorised constructions, demolishing five illegally built multi-storey structures in Versova.
The buildings, situated within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), were razed after repeated non-compliance with official notices and amid growing environmental and safety concerns. The demolition drive, which unfolded over several hours, was described by officials as a necessary step to deter rampant and unchecked construction in coastal areas where regulations are intended to safeguard ecosystems such as mangroves, wetlands, and marshland. According to senior municipal officials involved in the operation, these buildings were constructed without mandatory permissions and posed an imminent threat to both human safety and the local environment due to their location on unstable marshy terrain.
The razed buildings include Kutur House, a six-storey structure in Tere Galli; Saishraddha Nivas, a two-storey building opposite Versova Pump House; Naga House with five floors in Goma Galli; Zhemne House, a four-storey structure in Mandvi Galli; and Ganesh Sagar, a four-storey building in Bazaar Galli. These constructions had emerged over the past year, bypassing building codes, environmental clearances, and planning approvals required under CRZ norms. The action, which involved a sizeable municipal workforce, required significant logistical coordination. Approximately 80 personnel from the BMC’s ward office, along with Mumbai Police for security, carried out the demolitions using 35 hand breakers, 8 gas cutters, and 8 power generators. Officials said the operation was conducted after exhausting all legal procedures, including the issuance of demolition notices under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, and after the failure of building owners and developers to voluntarily remove the illegal structures.
A senior civic official from the local administrative ward stated that the enforcement was not merely punitive but aimed at preventing a potential disaster. “These buildings were constructed on soft, unstable coastal land without adhering to any structural safety protocols. In the event of monsoon flooding or even minor seismic activity, there was a severe risk of collapse. Our priority is the safety of citizens and the protection of ecologically sensitive zones,” the official said. According to urban development experts, the violations highlight deeper governance issues in Mumbai’s construction ecosystem—where land scarcity, housing demand, and lax enforcement have led to repeated encroachments on protected zones. CRZ regulations, introduced to prevent degradation of India’s coastline, are frequently flouted in Mumbai, particularly in high-demand areas like Versova that attract real estate speculation due to their location and sea views.
“These demolitions are symptomatic of a broken system where illegal construction is tolerated until it reaches dangerous proportions. The city needs a more proactive, technology-enabled approach to monitoring such violations,” said an expert in urban planning from a Mumbai-based civic think tank. He noted that CRZ zones are vital buffers that protect inland areas from storm surges, salinity intrusion, and tidal flooding, and should be considered non-negotiable in any urban development agenda. The BMC has already identified at least 35 more structures in the Versova CRZ area that are likely to face similar action in the coming weeks. Officials confirmed that surveys are being conducted to verify their status, and legal action is underway where applicable. The civic body has also hinted at stricter post-demolition enforcement to prevent reoccupation or reconstruction, including fencing off cleared land and increasing surveillance through drone mapping and satellite imaging.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the BMC’s renewed vigilance, pointing out that illegal coastal construction often destroys mangroves and disrupts fragile marine ecosystems. “Mangroves act as carbon sinks, natural storm barriers, and breeding grounds for marine life. Every illegal building is not just a structural hazard—it is a blow to Mumbai’s climate resilience,” said an ecologist who has been tracking coastal violations in the city. However, the episode has also raised questions about institutional complicity and delayed action. Residents in the area claim that some of these buildings had progressed up to four or five floors without intervention from authorities, suggesting either negligence or tacit approval during earlier stages of construction.
“There is a pattern here—build first, hope no one notices, and delay response until it’s too visible to ignore. The civic system needs better coordination between land records, development plans, and on-ground vigilance teams,” said a housing rights advocate. While the demolitions are being framed as a strong message against illegal development, there remains a need to address the systemic loopholes that allow such constructions to flourish in the first place. Experts argue that Mumbai’s Development Plan must be aligned more closely with climate goals and ecological realities, ensuring that city expansion does not come at the cost of future sustainability.
The recent demolitions are expected to act as a deterrent, but long-term urban resilience will depend on institutional reforms, capacity building, and stricter land use governance. Civic officials said public cooperation is also essential and urged residents to verify the legality of structures before investing or moving in. They also called for builders to adopt green construction norms and follow due process, particularly in zones governed by environmental regulations. As Mumbai faces mounting climate risks—ranging from sea-level rise to intensifying monsoon events—the importance of protecting its coastal assets cannot be overstated. Enforcement actions like the one in Versova reflect the critical intersection of environmental justice, urban planning, and civic accountability.
The path forward for Mumbai will require more than demolition drives. It will demand a renewed urban vision that prioritises sustainable development, upholds environmental laws, and ensures equitable access to safe, legal housing for all residents. The Versova operation may serve as a turning point, but it must be part of a broader, more consistent effort to shape the city into a model for resilient and inclusive growth.
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