BMC to Target 39,111 Unauthorised Slum Structures Across Mumbai From October 1
Mumbai, Maharashtra | September 21, 2026: Thousands of slum structures across Mumbai could face demolition action as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) prepares to launch a three-month special enforcement drive from October 1 against unauthorised construction.
The civic body has identified 39,111 slum structures measuring 14 feet or more in height for potential action, giving residents until enforcement begins to voluntarily remove unauthorised additions and construction.
39,111 Structures Identified for Action
The BMC's data shows that the identified structures are spread across Mumbai and its suburbs.
The breakdown is:
- Mumbai City: 3,348 structures
- Western suburbs: 4,536 structures
- Eastern suburbs: 31,227 structures
The eastern suburbs account for the largest share of the structures identified under the drive.
The special campaign will run from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
Why the 14-Foot Height Matters
The BMC has specifically identified unauthorised slum structures measuring 14 feet or more as the target of the special drive.
The civic body says the action is aimed at removing unauthorised additions and constructions rather than permitting further expansion of structures in slum areas.
Residents have been urged to voluntarily remove the unauthorised portions before enforcement teams begin demolition action.
Mumbai Has Over 2.23 Lakh Slum Structures
According to the civic administration, Mumbai has approximately 2,23,150 slum structures in total.
Of the structures identified for the current drive:
- Action has already been taken against 4,584
- Notices have been issued to another 611
- The remaining identified structures could face enforcement action if unauthorised portions are not removed
This makes the upcoming drive one of the more extensive recent enforcement exercises targeting unauthorised construction in Mumbai's slum areas.
What Residents Need to Check
Residents whose properties fall within the identified category should verify whether the portion facing action is legally authorised or represents an unauthorised addition.
Before taking any action, residents should check:
- Existing municipal permissions and records
- Whether the construction matches approved documentation
- Any notices issued by the BMC
- Property or occupancy-related documents
- Whether the disputed portion was added after the original structure was authorised
Where a formal notice has been issued, residents should follow the applicable response and representation process rather than relying solely on informal assurances.
BMC Has Already Taken Action Against Hundreds
The special drive follows ongoing enforcement by BMC ward offices.
Between August 24 and September 15, civic officials took action against 128 unauthorised constructions, while action against another 140 structures has been planned.
The October drive will be implemented through the respective ward offices across Mumbai and its suburbs.
Why This Matters for Property Owners and Buyers
The crackdown highlights the risks associated with unauthorised additions in densely populated residential areas.
For property buyers, especially those considering older slum-area properties or redevelopment-linked assets, municipal records and the legality of the existing structure can become important factors.
Unauthorised extensions can create complications involving:
- Demolition or enforcement notices
- Property transactions
- Redevelopment eligibility
- Documentation
- Financing
- Future reconstruction or regularisation
Buyers should therefore distinguish between the original authorised structure and later additions before completing a transaction.
Pedestrian Encroachment Drive Continues Alongside
The BMC's new construction drive will operate alongside its ongoing Pedestrian First campaign targeting illegal encroachments on footpaths.
The civic administration has already taken action against encroachments in several parts of Mumbai.
Together, the campaigns indicate a broader enforcement focus on unauthorised structures and occupation of public spaces.
What Happens Next
The BMC's special drive will begin on October 1 and continue until December 31.
Residents have been given an opportunity to voluntarily remove unauthorised portions before enforcement teams begin action.
For property owners and prospective buyers, the immediate priority is to establish whether a structure or addition has valid municipal approval and to respond to any BMC notice before enforcement action begins.