Not aware about issue: BMC Mayor Ritu Tawade on demolition of huts taller than 14 ft in Mumbai

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As Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration has announced demolition action against slum huts taller than 14 feet in Mumbai, BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde has distanced herself with the decision, saying she is “unaware of the matter”.

“I will clarify my stance only after discussing with officials,” said Ms. Tawade while addressing the demolition drive to be effective from October 1. The remarks of Ms. Tawade have signalled the lack of coordination between the municipal administration and the elected representatives.

The demolition drive will be conducted for three months, from October 1 to December 31, to remove unauthorised structures across Mumbai. According to BMC, 39,111 structures which are 14 ft or higher have been identified. The demolition drive has instil fear among the residents.

BJP’s Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar has written a letter to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide demanding that no blanket action be taken against huts.

The decision to demolish such huts in the slums was opposed in the Standing Committee meeting held on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). Corporators alleged the the administration kept the elected representatives in the dark and made the announcement directly to the media.

Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar and Shiv Sena’s senior corporator Yashodhar Phanase have demanded that this demolition action be immediately stayed till the concrete arrangement for rehabilitation and alternative accommodation of slum dwellers is arranged.

Other opposition parties, including the Congress, have also taken an aggressive stand against this decision. They have demanded that further steps be taken only after taking the residents into confidence and clarifying the rehabilitation rules.

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