The civic administration has issued notices to slum structures exceeding 14 feet in height in Mumbai city, creating an atmosphere of fear among the affected slum dwellers, according to Khankar. The BMC has announced a special drive against unauthorised constructions in slum areas from October 1 to December 31, 2026, covering structures measuring 14 feet or more in height.
In a representation submitted to Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Khankar said that 40 per cent of Mumbai’s citizens live in slums. He said that the Maharashtra government has undertaken large-scale slum rehabilitation projects through the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Khankar also pointed out that slum rehabilitation work is being undertaken at various locations through cluster development and other schemes under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said the government is making efforts to make Mumbai slum-free.
Khankar said that the civic administration should not take steps that would cause hardship to poor citizens who have been living in Mumbai for many years. He urged Bhide to immediately suspend any instructions issued in this regard and sought an end to blanket notices.
At the same time, Khankar said that if certain constructions in dangerous slum areas pose a possibility of loss of life, the administration should take appropriate action against such structures. However, he stressed that notices should not be issued indiscriminately.
He warned in his representation that otherwise there could be a large-scale outburst in Mumbai, while poor citizens could be forced to face hardship.
The BMC has identified 39,111 slum structures measuring 14 feet or more in height across Mumbai and its suburbs as part of the proposed drive. The civic administration has already taken eviction action against 4,584 such structures and issued notices to 611, according to data released by the BMC.
Khankar’s demand places the ruling BJP among those seeking reconsideration of the civic action against slum structures above the 14-foot height threshold, with the focus now on whether the administration will suspend blanket notices while continuing action against constructions considered dangerous.
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