Activists Protest BMC's Plan to Demolish Marathi School in Mumbai
Activists and residents are up in arms over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) plan to demolish a functioning Marathi-medium school in Mahim, Mumbai, despite two structural audits deeming it safe with repairs.
Marathi SchoolReal EstateBmcActivismEducationReal Estate MumbaiNov 07, 2025
The controversy concerns the New Mahim School, a civic-run Marathi-medium institution on Mori Road, Mahim West. This closure forms part of a “real-estate driven demolition push,” claim activists and educationists from the organisation Marathi Abhyas Kendra.
According to Marathi Abhyas Kendra, the BMC commissioned a structural audit that labelled the school as dilapidated, triggering immediate protests in the locality. Actress Chinmayee Sumeet, the goodwill ambassador for Marathi schools, and educationist Deepak Pawar visited the building with former Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) chairman Chandrashekhar Prabhu, who reportedly found the school structurally sound after basic repairs.
Following pressure from residents and activists, a second audit by structural expert Mehendale reaffirmed that the building did not need to be razed, only needed some repairs. However, soon after, the BMC allegedly called for a third structural audit — this time recommending demolition. The activists claim the sudden U-turn coincides with the “high real-estate potential of the plot”, with murmurs of a possible 60-storey tower being the real prize.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Marathi Abhyas Kendra compared the situation of Marathi schools to the collapse of Mumbai’s mill lands. “Just as Mumbai’s mills were swallowed by bureaucrats, politicians, and capitalists, the same fate now hangs over Marathi schools,” the statement said. The group argues that as municipal schools transition to national and international boards, Marathi-medium schools — already few in number — are becoming “soft targets” for closure.
Terming the Mahim case a warning for the entire state, the group says the “slow, systematic erasure of Marathi education” must be stopped before it becomes irreversible. To escalate the agitation, Marathi Abhyas Kendra will hold a protest meeting on November 9 at 11 am at the New Mahim School Complex. “Marathi schools stand on prime land,” Sushil Shejule of Marathi Abhyas Kendra said. “If we don’t resist now, every Marathi school will be swallowed by real-estate greed,” he added.
The appeal by Marathi Abhyas Kendra ends with a sharper warning: “If Marathi schools disappear, Marathi language, Marathi people, and Maharashtra itself will be weakened.” “The old Mori school was razed in 2015 after being declared dilapidated, but the BMC never built the promised new structure. Students were simply pushed to far-off schools like Sion, and a replacement building never came up. We don’t want a repeat of that,” Shejule said, adding residents, parents, and civic activists will turn up in large numbers for Sunday’s protest.
A senior BMC official said: “If the building is not safe, we cannot let the students continue in the school building. The building is dilapidated and appropriate action will be taken accordingly.” “It’s not that we are demolishing Marathi schools; we are demolishing or repairing schools according to their condition and not targeting any particular medium school,” the official added.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the New Mahim School?
The controversy is about the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attempting to shut down the New Mahim School, a Marathi-medium school, by declaring it dangerous, despite two structural audits stating it is safe with repairs.
What is the stance of Marathi Abhyas Kendra on this issue?
Marathi Abhyas Kendra claims this is part of a real-estate driven demolition push and argues that Marathi-medium schools are becoming soft targets for closure due to their prime locations.
What actions have been taken by activists and residents?
Activists and residents have protested, and Marathi Abhyas Kendra has called for a protest meeting on November 9 at the New Mahim School Complex to escalate the agitation.
What is the BMC's response to the allegations?
A senior BMC official stated that if the building is not safe, they cannot let students continue in the school building and that they are not targeting any particular medium school.
What is the broader concern raised by the activists?
The activists are concerned about the systematic erasure of Marathi education and the potential weakening of Marathi language, people, and Maharashtra if Marathi schools continue to be closed.
Related News Articles
Residential Housing Demand Surges in Tier II Cities, Sales Up 11% in FY24
Real estate data analytics firm PropEquity reveals that housing sales in top 30 Tier II cities increased by 11% in FY24, driven by lower property prices and growth potential.
Union Budget 2024-25: Real Estate Sector's Expectations for Growth and Stability
Industry leaders highlight the need for enhanced tax incentives, simplified project approvals, and incentives for affordable housing to drive growth and stability in the real estate sector.
Air India's Real Estate Sell-Off Fails to Take Flight
Air India's attempt to sell 56 properties across India has been met with little interest, with less than 10 properties sold so far.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand Hears Major Political Rivalry Case
City Police Commissioner and Additional District Magistrate, CV Anand, held a court session to address the longstanding political rivalry between Nampally MLA Mohd. Majid Hussain and MLA contestant Mohd. Feroz Khan.
The Future of Urban Living: Insights into Real Estate Development in India
In major cities like Mumbai, the increasing demand for properties is significantly driving up prices per square foot. Community living is becoming more important as urban areas continue to grow.
Delhi-NCR Office Rent Soars to Rs 340/Sq Ft, Making It 6th Costliest in Asia-Pacific: Report
Delhi-NCR has emerged as the 6th costliest office market in the Asia-Pacific region, with office rent hitting Rs 340 per square foot, according to a recent report by Knight Frank India. The real estate consultant's latest edition of the Asia-Pacific Offic