The BMC launched the Real Estate Tracking and Management System (RETMS) on March 1, 2016, to enable citizens to lodge online complaints against illegal constructions across Mumbai. However, the figures disclosed through an RTI response indicate a significant gap between the number of complaints received and the demolition action completed.
RTI activist Shakeel Ahmed Sheikh had sought details from the Encroachment and Eviction Department of the Eastern Suburbs. According to the official report dated October 26, 2026, the RETMS system received a total of 2,14,917 complaints related to illegal constructions over the past decade. Of these, 1,16,228 were classified as duplicate complaints, bringing the actual number of complaints down to 98,689.
The figures show that the Mumbai civic body prepared 60,332 notices, of which 57,521 were issued. Show-cause orders were issued in 31,486 cases, while demolition was deemed necessary in 29,916 cases. Despite these administrative steps, demolition action was completed in only 13,211 cases.
The pending figures further highlight the gap in enforcement. Demolition arrangements were yet to be made in 15,318 cases, while 13,734 complaints were awaiting closure.
L Ward Records Highest Complaints, But Few Demolitions
Among the civic wards, L Ward recorded the highest number of complaints. Against 30,935 complaints, demolition action was completed in only 637 cases.
In K/East Ward, 1,325 demolitions were completed against 24,064 complaints. M/East Ward recorded just 159 demolitions against 14,510 complaints. In P/South Ward, 1,932 cases resulted in demolition against 14,424 complaints, while K/West Ward recorded 1,683 demolitions against 11,433 complaints.
RTI activist Shakeel Ahmed Sheikh alleged that the municipal corporation spends crores of rupees every year in the name of taking action against illegal constructions, but the results on the ground remain unsatisfactory.
The figures obtained through the RTI application highlight the limited number of completed demolitions compared with the volume of complaints received through the BMC's online reporting mechanism. With thousands of cases still awaiting demolition arrangements or closure, the data raises questions about the implementation and effectiveness of the civic body's system for addressing illegal construction complaints.
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