Acting on directives issued by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, the K-West Ward Office conducted a joint enforcement operation on June 9 against four hotels in Andheri West alleged to have covered compulsory open spaces and expanded their commercial operations unlawfully.
The operation was carried out along Veera Desai Road and Off New Link Road, where civic teams demolished unauthorized structures at Whats Your Bahana, Trove 9, Juliet, and Yazu. Officials stated that materials used in the illegal extensions were seized during the drive as part of strict enforcement action.
The coordinated operation was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 4) Bhagyashree Kapse and led by Assistant Commissioner Chakrapani Alle of the K-West Ward. Personnel from the Health Department, License Department, Mumbai Fire Brigade, and Building and Factory Department participated in the joint action, reflecting a multi-agency enforcement approach.
During the operation, civic authorities confiscated 24 chairs, a cooking range, a microwave oven, three air coolers, an electric fryer, and two speakers from the premises. Around 20 personnel, including ward staff, labourers, and fire brigade officials, were deployed, with JCB machinery used to dismantle the unauthorized extensions.
Officials stated that the hotels had expanded their service areas by erecting illegal coverings over spaces mandated to remain open under development regulations. Assistant Commissioner Chakrapani Alle confirmed that the encroachments were removed and the seized equipment was taken into custody.
The civic administration further reiterated that strict action would continue against unauthorized constructions and encroachments across Mumbai as part of an ongoing citywide enforcement campaign aimed at ensuring compliance with building norms and preventing misuse of compulsory open spaces by commercial establishments.
In a separate incident, civic authorities acted in Khar West to clear a public footpath near Khar Road railway station that had allegedly been occupied for several months by a hotel’s private parking arrangement. The obstruction, located approximately 100 metres from the railway station and about 250 metres from the BMC ward office, had reportedly blocked pedestrian access for over six months.
Following a media report, civic officials along with traffic police removed benches, a flagpole, large plant pots, and illegally parked vehicles from the site, restoring public access to the footpath. Vehicles were also towed during the operation.
Residents alleged that individuals who previously questioned the arrangement were subjected to intimidation. In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9), the Khar Citizens Collective claimed that pedestrians had faced threats while attempting to reclaim access to the blocked walkway. Authorities have been urged to investigate possible wider violations linked to the premises.
The twin actions underscore increasing civic enforcement in Mumbai against illegal encroachments affecting both regulatory open spaces and public pedestrian infrastructure.
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