Mumbai BMC's 14-Ft Slum Construction Ban Sparks Cross-Party Corporator Pushback

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's proposed crackdown on unauthorised constructions exceeding 14 feet in slum areas has triggered rare cross-party opposition among corporators. During a BMC Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday, elected representatives from Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM, Congress, and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) united in demanding the action be withdrawn pending discussion with group leaders.

Corporators raised concerns about enforcement timing and rehabilitation. AIMIM's Jamir Kureshi demanded permitting constructions up to 24 feet, while Congress leader Ashraf Azmi called for a survey and rehabilitation scheme, criticising the BJP's unfulfilled manifesto promise of 40 lakh houses. Shiv Sena (Shinde)'s Amey Ghole sought clear construction guidelines and verification of undocumented migrants in such structures.

BMC Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde directed the administration to explain its position at the next meeting, effectively pausing the action amid political pressure.