The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Andheri on June 18, removing nine unauthorised shops that had occupied public footpaths and obstructed pedestrian movement.
The operation was carried out by the K West Ward as part of the civic body's ongoing efforts to keep footpaths accessible and ensure safer movement for residents and commuters.
During the drive, officials demolished an illegal shop located on Fun Republic Road. Another establishment found operating without the required permissions faced seizure action by the authorities.
In a separate action on Veera Desai Road, civic teams removed eight unauthorised shops that had encroached on public footpaths. The operation also targeted illegal structures such as sheds and staircases that had reduced the space available for pedestrians.
According to BMC officials, these encroachments had made walking difficult for residents and forced many pedestrians to navigate crowded and unsafe conditions.
Following the removal of the unauthorised structures, the affected footpaths were cleared and reopened for public use. Civic authorities said the action would improve pedestrian safety and ease movement in one of Andheri's busy commercial areas.
Encroachments on footpaths continue to be a challenge in several parts of Mumbai, often compelling pedestrians to walk on roads and increasing the risk of accidents. To address the issue, the BMC regularly undertakes drives to reclaim public spaces and remove illegal structures.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 4) Dr. Bhagyashree Kapase and led by K West Ward Assistant Commissioner Chakrapani Alle.
Officials and staff from several civic departments, including the Maintenance, Building and Factory, Licensing, and Public Health departments, participated in the drive. Special equipment and machinery were deployed to efficiently remove the encroachments.
The civic teams also received support from Amboli Police Station, whose personnel provided security and ensured the operation was carried out without any disruptions.
The BMC has been consistently carrying out anti-encroachment drives across Mumbai to remove unauthorised structures, illegal extensions, and hawkers from footpaths, roads, and public land, with the aim of improving accessibility and maintaining public spaces.
Last week, the civic body carried out a demolition drive against unauthorized extensions at four hotels — What’s Your Bahana, Trove 9 Luxury Rooftop Lounge, Juliet Cafe and Bar, and Yazu Pan Asian Supper Club - located on Veera Desai Road and off New Link Road in Andheri West, on June 10, in Mumbai.