Mumbai’s suburban tranquillity in Malad West is under strain as residents of Mamlatdarwadi find themselves locked in a legal and emotional battle against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) road widening plans.
At the heart of the conflict is Road Number Six, a narrow, tree-lined stretch currently measuring 4.5 metres wide. The civic body aims to double its width to nine metres, triggering fear and resistance among homeowners who now face the prospect of losing significant portions of their compounds and possibly their peace of mind. Out of 16 residential buildings dotting the lane, four have already moved the Bombay High Court, while others are preparing to follow. The residents allege that the BMC’s move not only disregards due process but also undermines their right to live securely. Several of these buildings, once traditional wadas, have undergone redevelopment over the past decade. The structures have a buffer of merely three metres between their walls and pillars space now in jeopardy. Homeowners argue that excavation within such close proximity could destabilise the buildings, many of which accommodate senior citizens, young families, and working professionals who rely on this small oasis for safety and continuity.
While the civic authority defends the plan as part of Mumbai’s 2034 Development Plan—a document that outlines infrastructure enhancement across the metropolis residents believe the timing and urgency of this project are highly suspect. Their contention stems from an adjacent construction proposal for a high-rise development, which they allege would benefit significantly from the road’s widening. The claim is that the civic action is less about easing congestion and more about enabling private commercial interests to meet building norms. Crucially, the targeted nine-metre width aligns with the threshold needed to greenlight high-density vertical projects in the vicinity. Adding to the residents’ concern is the looming ecological loss. The stretch under threat houses around 50 mature trees, forming a much-needed green canopy in this part of the city. With Mumbai already grappling with urban heat stress and air quality deterioration, such green covers act as vital carbon sinks. The demolition of compound walls will not only strip households of parking and breathing space but could also chip away at the city’s limited natural assets. Residents point out that displacing cars onto public roads would invite further penalties and chaos in an already congested locality.
Tensions peaked in late April when civic machinery arrived unannounced to commence demolition, armed with notices under Section 299 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. The notices directed homeowners to clear the demarcated area within seven days. Yet, according to the residents, no such demarcation had been carried out inside their plots, nor was there any community consultation. Attempts to object formally were brushed aside by officials, prompting the legal intervention. Following initial petitions, the High Court ordered the BMC to conduct a structural safety survey in the area a temporary breather that residents hope will lead to a fair and transparent hearing. The civic body has maintained that all procedures were followed and has pledged to act as per court orders.
The case, up for hearing on May 9, is not just about land and legality it’s about residents asserting their right to live without fear of losing their homes to sudden bureaucratic decisions. At a time when Indian cities must tread the fine line between development and dignity, the Malad episode underscores a growing demand for more humane, inclusive, and environmentally sensitive urban governance. Whether the High Court will side with the voices of lived experience or with the blueprints of expansion remains to be seen
