Mumbai: BMC removes nine unauthorised shops from Andheri footpaths

The action was undertaken by the civic body`s K West Ward on June 18. Pics/BMC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out an anti-encroachment drive in Andheri, removing nine unauthorised shops that had occupied public footpaths and obstructed pedestrian movement.

The action was undertaken by the civic body's K West Ward on June 18 as part of its ongoing efforts to keep footpaths free of encroachments and improve accessibility for pedestrians.

Action taken at multiple locations

According to civic officials, one unauthorised shop located on Fun Republic Road in Andheri was demolished during the operation. Authorities also carried out seizure action against another establishment found to be operating without permission in the area.

In a separate operation on Veera Desai Road, officials removed eight unauthorised shops that had been set up on public footpaths. The drive also targeted structures that had encroached on pedestrian space, including illegal sheds and staircases constructed along the footpath.

Officials said such encroachments had reduced the available walking space and created inconvenience for residents and commuters using the area on a daily basis.

Footpaths cleared for pedestrians

Following the removal of the structures, civic authorities said the affected stretches of footpaths have been cleared and restored for public use. The action is expected to improve pedestrian safety and ease movement in the busy Andheri locality.

Encroachments on footpaths remain a recurring issue in several parts of Mumbai, often forcing pedestrians to walk on roads and increasing the risk of accidents. Civic officials periodically conduct drives to remove illegal structures and reclaim public spaces.

Multi-department operation

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 4) Dr. Bhagyashree Kapase and was led by K West Ward Assistant Commissioner Chakrapani Alle.

Officials and staff from multiple departments participated in the drive, including the Maintenance Department, Building and Factory Department, Licensing Department, and Public Health Department. Various equipment and machinery were deployed to remove the encroachments and clear the affected areas.

The civic team was supported by personnel from Amboli Police Station, which provided security during the operation to ensure that the drive was conducted smoothly and without disruption.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regularly conducts anti-encroachment drives to clear unauthorised structures, hawkers, and illegal extensions off city footpaths, roads, and government lands.