Day after Raj Thackeray’s warning over ‘illegal’ Mahim structure, authorities launch demolition drive

Sources in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said the action was initiated by the collector’s office, Mumbai (City), while the civic body provided logistical support and manpower.

Sources in the BMC said the action was initiated by the collector’s office, Mumbai (City). The structure, situated at the spot where a boat can be seen, is immersed in water due to high tide on Thursday afternoon. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

“There was a small island-like land parcel within 15 metre from the mainland that could have been created by reclaiming the bay waters. The foundation of the parcel has been demolished along with some temporary structures like bamboo sticks and fences. It appears that these structures were erected recently and there was no concrete construction present at the island,” said a BMC source.

The sources also said that following the MNS leader’s rally on Wednesday, an emergency meeting of BMC officials, the police department, and the collector’s office was convened early Thursday to discuss the operational process of demolishing the structure.

The MNS chief gave an ultimatum that his party’s workers would build a temple beside the structure. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

“The jurisdiction of the land parcel on which the structures were built was under the collector of Mumbai city. So, they were the agency that was in charge of the operation. BMC and the police department provided logistical support as per protocol,” the source added.