The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has successfully reclaimed a 500-square-metre plot in Byculla, previously occupied by a 50-year-old bakery, paving the way for a significant redevelopment project.
This move, which follows a recent court ruling in favour of the BMC, promises to transform the area with new residential units, a playground, and a 35-storey tower. The bakery owner had held premises in Byculla’s Kamathipura since 1974, with an additional plot in Goregaon East. The eviction process began after the owner challenged the BMC’s notice, seeking interim relief from dispossession. However, on May 9, the city civil court ruled against the bakery, allowing the BMC to proceed with the eviction and demolition, which was executed on May 24 under the supervision of 25 civic officials and supported by 20 police officers to ensure a smooth operation. The land reclamation is part of a larger redevelopment initiative spearheaded by Hi Rock Construction (P) Ltd (Kinjal Group), to whom the BMC’s estate department had issued a letter of intent on May 9, 2022. The project area covers 3,400 square metres and involves the redevelopment of accommodation for 117 tenants. The development plan includes a 22-storey rehabilitation wing for the displaced tenants and a 35-storey tower designated as the sale component for the developer.
The initiative also incorporates the creation of a playground, enhancing public amenities in the area. This project is a testament to the BMC’s commitment to urban renewal and providing better living conditions for its residents. The civic body’s proactive stance in reclaiming its land and clearing illegal occupations underscores its dedication to the city’s developmental goals. BMC officials stated that the bakery had been obstructing the redevelopment process, highlighting the necessity of the demolition. The successful clearance of this site marks a critical step in the broader redevelopment scheme, which aims to rejuvenate the locality and improve the infrastructure.
This development is expected to set a precedent for similar reclamation and redevelopment projects across Mumbai, as the city grapples with the challenges of urban expansion and the need for upgraded living spaces. The BMC’s decisive actions illustrate the importance of enforcing municipal regulations and addressing illegal occupations to facilitate progress. The BMC’s reclamation of the Byculla plot from a longstanding illegal occupant marks a significant victory for urban redevelopment. The planned transformation of the area, with modern residential facilities and enhanced public amenities, promises to contribute positively to the urban landscape of Mumbai. The eviction and demolition, executed seamlessly with judicial backing, exemplify the effective governance and forward-looking strategies necessary for the city’s growth.
