BMC Demolishes 17 Illegal Structures in Andheri, Continues Anti-Encroachment Drive
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continued its anti-encroachment drive on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, demolishing 17 unauthorised commercial structures in Mumbai's suburban Andheri. The operation was conducted by the BMC's K West Division office under the supervision of Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Ashwini Joshi.
According to a civic official, the encroachments were located in Aram Nagar, J. P. Marg, and Versova areas of Andheri West. Some establishments had used mandatory open spaces as service areas and erected unauthorised covers. Encroachments on footpaths by these establishments were also removed.
During the drive, the BMC disconnected illegal sewage connections of eight establishments, including Arbab, Barista, Soraizai, Hakim Salon, Persia Darbar, Ink N Bretto Menu, Darjeeling Leo's Momo, and China Suburb. Additionally, items such as LPG hot plates, electric inductions, storage racks, electric oil fryers, microwave ovens, wooden tables, commercial LPG cylinders, and furniture were seized in a joint operation involving departments like Conservation, Public Health, Licensing, Fire, Building and Factories, and MHADA.
Over the past two months, the BMC has conducted several anti-encroachment drives to decongest heavily crowded areas. These drives have targeted undocumented structures, shop extensions, hutments, and encroachments on roads, footpaths, and public land. The corporation states that the aim is to improve pedestrian movement, ease traffic congestion, and expand public infrastructure.
In May, the BMC carried out its largest anti-encroachment drive in Bandra East's Garib Nagar. On Monday, June 22, 2026, 17 unauthorised structures were demolished in Andheri West. The Bombay High Court has on multiple occasions criticised the BMC for failing to address unauthorised structures on roads and footpaths, adding pressure on the civic body to act.
The current drive reflects the BMC's ongoing efforts to enforce municipal regulations and reclaim public space. While the actions have been praised by some for improving urban mobility, they have also faced criticism for affecting livelihoods. The BMC maintains that the operations are carried out in accordance with the law and after due notice.
