MUMBAI: BMC will launch a three-month special drive from October 1 to crack down on unauthorised constructions in slum areas, with structures measuring 14ft or more in height identified for action.The civic body has identified 39,111 such structures across the city and suburbs.The drive, to continue till December 31, is aimed at removing unauthorised additions and constructions in slum areas. The BMC has appealed to residents to voluntarily remove such structures before civic teams take action.Of the 39,111 structures identified as being 14ft or taller, 3,348 are in Mumbai city, 4,536 in the western suburbs and 31,227 in the eastern suburbs, according to data released by the civic administration on Saturday.Mumbai has a total of 2,23,150 slum structures, the BMC said. Action has already been taken against 4,584 structures, while notices have been issued to another 611.The civic administration said residents of the remaining structures should remove the unauthorised portions themselves, failing which demolition action would follow.BMC has also been carrying out action against unauthorised constructions through its various administrative wards.Between August 24 and September 15, civic officials took action against 128 unauthorised constructions, while action against another 140 structures is planned.The civic administration has reiterated that residents should not undertake unauthorised construction and should remove any such construction voluntarily to avoid enforcement action.A ward level official said that the drive will cover slum structures across Mumbai and its suburbs and will be implemented through the respective ward offices.“Residents have been given a window to remove unauthorised portions before enforcement teams begin action under the special drive so that they don’t face inconvenience,” said an official.The new drive will be taken up along with the ongoing “Pedestrian First” drive against illegal encroachments on footpaths under which action has already been taken in several areas.
