Mumbai’s civic administration has constituted a high-level committee, chaired by the city commissioner, to assess and report on illegal religious structures across diverse communities every quarter. The development was announced in the state Assembly on Tuesday by the industries minister. The committee includes the municipal commissioner, police commissioner, and both city and suburban collectors, and is tasked with surveying religious sites for unauthorised construction. It will submit its findings and recommended action plans to the state government every three months to ensure civic and judicial due diligence.
The announcement followed a query raised by an opposition legislator, who highlighted several minority‑run religious premises cited in a recent High Court list. The complainant alleged that the civic body had been slow to act, allowing unauthorised constructions to proliferate. A government spokesperson emphasised that the committee’s mandate is to apply regulations uniformly across faiths. “This is not targeted action,” explained the official, adding that any complaint received will be examined through dialogue and legal inspection.
Another political leader cautioned against singling out any one community. “If unauthorised structures must be removed, rules must apply indiscriminately,” said the leader. He added that clarity, transparency and non-discrimination are essential in enforcing building laws. Legal experts say the setting up of a statutory committee is a progressive step towards transparent urban governance. They argue it integrates civic bodies, police and development authorities in collaborative oversight of religious site expansions, balancing heritage, public safety, and planning norms in one of the country’s densest urban centres.
Further, the committee’s timely review cycle aligns with the city’s broader urban development objectives of fostering equitable, regulated growth while preserving communal harmony. It could serve as a model for other megacities dealing with the delicate intersection of religious freedom, urban infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
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