Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continued its eviction drive for the second consecutive day at Matunga Railway Station and the Bhandarkar Road flower market area, removing 30 encroached and unauthorized shops on Friday. The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale and F-North Ward Assistant Commissioner Nitin Shukla.
The civic body identified several illegal structures encroaching on footpaths and roads, prompting the civic body to take action.
The crackdown began on March 6, 2025, when 52 unauthorized shops were demolished. Today’s action targeted an additional 30 shops, 14 of which were identified as encroachments, while the remaining had unauthorized extensions.
A team of 65 personnel, along with one JCB machine and other support vehicles, was deployed to carry out the operation. The eviction drive is part of BMC’s ongoing efforts to clear public spaces and ensure pedestrian safety.
Residents and commuters welcomed the move, citing long-standing congestion issues in the area. However, affected shopkeepers have expressed concerns over their livelihoods and have called for alternative arrangements.
BMC officials have assured that anti-encroachment measures will continue in various parts of the city to maintain urban order.