BMC Demolishes 169 Illegal Structures in Worli Amid Land-Grab Allegations
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished 169 unauthorized structures in Worli, adjacent to the Mumbai Coastal Road Project. Activists allege these constructions may be part of a larger land-grab attempt to access high-value real estate along Mumbai’s western seafront.
BmcMumbaiLandgrabCoastal RoadReal EstateReal Estate MumbaiOct 17, 2025
At first glance, the constructions appeared to be routine encroachments. However, activists have alleged that they may have been part of a larger land-grab attempt to gain access to high-value real estate along Mumbai’s western seafront.
In a report published on March 28, HT had highlighted the rise of unauthorized structures not only in Madraswadi but also in Markandeshwar Nagar and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Nagar — many of which came up around the time the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road was nearing completion.
Civic activist Santosh Daundkar, who alerted the BMC’s coastal road department and the city collector, claimed that certain builders were behind the effort to get these illegal occupants recognized as Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
“The modus operandi is to get these slum-dwellers listed as PAPs of the coastal road project and later, through forged documents, show them as eligible for slum rehabilitation,” said Daundkar. “This would ultimately allow builders to gain access to reclaimed land for real-estate projects.”
In his letter dated March 27, Daundkar also flagged that the encroachments were obstructing ongoing sewer line work behind the newly constructed retaining wall in Madraswadi and Markandeshwar Nagar. “These structures came up after the wall was built,” he noted, terming them not just violations of civic norms but also impediments to key infrastructure work.
The ₹14,000-crore Mumbai Coastal Road Project — an eight-lane sea link connecting Marine Lines to Bandra West — has reclaimed around 70 hectares from the Arabian Sea. While the BMC has earmarked this reclaimed space for public and open use, its prime location has drawn speculative interests, intensifying competition for access to the land.
Friday’s demolition was part of the civic body’s effort to enforce regulations and safeguard the project’s integrity. Around 35 BMC personnel, supported by Worli police and equipped with heavy machinery, carried out the operation.
According to the BMC, the demolished structures had also contributed to waterlogging in the area during the monsoon. Their removal, officials said, forms part of a wider initiative to maintain civic order and ensure smooth progress of major infrastructure works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mumbai Coastal Road Project?
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project is an eight-lane sea link connecting Marine Lines to Bandra West. It is a ₹14,000-crore infrastructure project that has reclaimed around 70 hectares from the Arabian Sea.
Why did the BMC demolish the structures in Madraswadi?
The BMC demolished 169 unauthorized structures in Madraswadi to enforce regulations and safeguard the integrity of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project. These structures were also causing waterlogging issues during the monsoon.
What are the allegations surrounding the unauthorized constructions?
Activists allege that the unauthorized constructions in Madraswadi, Markandeshwar Nagar, and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Nagar may be part of a land-grab attempt to gain access to high-value real estate along Mumbai’s western seafront.
Who alerted the BMC about the unauthorized structures?
Civic activist Santosh Daundkar alerted the BMC’s coastal road department and the city collector about the unauthorized structures, highlighting their potential to obstruct key infrastructure work and serve as a means for land-grab.
What is the role of the BMC in maintaining the Mumbai Coastal Road Project?
The BMC is responsible for enforcing regulations, maintaining civic order, and ensuring the smooth progress of major infrastructure works like the Mumbai Coastal Road Project. They also aim to prevent unauthorized encroachments and land-grab attempts.
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