Bulldozer Action Intensifies: BMC Clears Encroachments on Mohammed Ali Road and Surrounding Areas

Mumbai: In a major anti-encroachment drive on Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertook large-scale demolition and clearance operations across Mohammed Ali Road and nearby streets in South Mumbai. Unauthorized stalls, structures, and street vendors occupying footpaths were removed to ease pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Targeted Areas and Leadership
Mohammed Ali Road and Ibrahim Merchant Road, two of the busiest commercial corridors connecting Bhindi Bazaar, Masjid Bandar, Byculla, Nagdevi, and Mandvi, were at the center of the operation. Unauthorized occupations on footpaths had long hindered smooth movement for pedestrians and traffic. The drive was conducted under the directions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, led by Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Chanda Jadhav and Assistant Municipal Commissioner of B Ward, Yogesh Desai.

Encroachments Removed
During the operation, BMC teams cleared seven illegal shops, 12 platforms (otas), tin and metal sheds, 10 bollards, and two abandoned vehicles. The drive employed four anti-encroachment vehicles, two JCB machines, and other equipment, with around 40 BMC officers and staff deployed alongside police for security.

Commitment to Continued Action
Officials stated that local residents welcomed the move, noting improved pedestrian mobility and smoother traffic flow. The BMC has pledged to continue regular anti-encroachment drives across the city to ensure clean footpaths and safe streets.

West Mumbai Operations from Goregaon to Borivali
Earlier this month, BMC and Mumbai Police conducted a large-scale demolition drive in the western suburbs, clearing streets near metro stations and crowded zones from Goregaon to Borivali West. The operation targeted key areas including Kandivali Metro Station, New Link Road, Dahanu Karwadi, M.G. Road, S.V. Road, Motilal Nagar, Ram Mandir, and nearby suburban railway stations, notorious for congestion caused by unauthorized street vendors.

Footpaths and Under-Bridge Settlements Cleared
The drive also removed makeshift settlements under bridges, which had been occupied temporarily by certain community members. Post-operation, roads near Kandivali Metro Station and Dahanu Karwadi were completely cleared, and no unauthorized vendors were found operating near Vasant Complex on Link Road. The action ensures smoother pedestrian and vehicular movement across these high-traffic zones.