MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made a formal request for police protection to facilitate the demolition of unauthorised constructions within Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, amidst escalating legal challenges and community activism.
Earlier in March, BMC initiated partial demolition activities after receiving complaints regarding unapproved changes in land use from a recreation ground to a parking lot. This action followed a complaint filed by activist-lawyer Abha Singh, highlighting discrepancies in the land’s designated use as per city planning regulations. Singh’s complaint, lodged in July last year, specifically pointed out that 3,719 square meters of land originally earmarked for recreational purposes had been illegally converted into a commercial parking area without requisite permissions. This conversion not only violated development regulations but also deprived the locality of much-needed green spaces, crucial for mitigating Mumbai’s air quality issues. “The BMC’s previous actions were perceived as inadequate and cosmetic,” remarked Singh, expressing concern over the environmental impact and the civic body’s delayed response in reclaiming and reforesting the designated recreational area. Echoing these sentiments, a activist criticized BMC officials for purportedly turning a blind eye to similar encroachments across Mumbai’s recreation grounds, alleging complicity in favour of developers.
Responding to these developments, a BMC official confirmed the request for police ‘bandobast’ (protection), anticipating it to be implemented imminently to support ongoing and future demolition efforts. However, G-South ward officer was unavailable for immediate comment on the matter. The controversy surrounding Kamala Mills underscores broader concerns about urban planning oversight and environmental conservation in Mumbai. As BMC navigates legal and community opposition, its actions will be closely scrutinized for adherence to regulatory norms and responsiveness to public interest. Efforts to restore the recreational grounds at Kamala Mills are pivotal not just for legal compliance but also for restoring ecological balance in one of Mumbai’s busiest districts. The outcome of this dispute will likely influence future urban development policies and civic engagement strategies in the city.
