A demolition at the New Vikas Co-operative Housing Society in Andheri West led to shock and confusion after residents reported a sudden blast and a massive cloud of dust spreading across the neighbourhood. The incident, which took place around noon, has raised serious questions about unsafe practices, lack of permissions and weak monitoring in Mumbai’s ongoing redevelopment activities.
According to residents living near Sahyog Nagar, the demolition noise was so loud that many thought an explosion had occurred. Parag Motani, a local resident, said in his statement, heavy plumes of dust from all directions he saw rising, which made the vicinity of the demolition site totally invisible. In a very short time the dust-covered streets took their breath away from the air, coughing and irritation in their eyes, which had been experienced by several people in the area.
Citizens groups from Andheri Lokhandwala–Oshiwara belt said that the whole demolition operation looked so risky to them. They alleged that the dismantling of one wing was done level by level, whereas the other wing suddenly fell down and it was caused by the use of an explosive. The residents have stated that the contractor severed the use of heavy, blast-like methods that were normally used in demolition, however, they also stated it is accompanying facilities like oxygen that are a cause of firing the residential are strictly banned for dense localities that have residential areas.
The situation became more alarming when residents shared that no safety measures were in place. There were no proper barricades, dust-control nets or warning signs. People living close to the site said they were neither informed about the demolition schedule nor given enough time to prepare. With Mumbai’s air quality already at unhealthy levels, the sudden release of dust worsened the environment in the locality.
Soon after the complaints, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) began checking whether the demolition had proper approvals. Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi confirmed that no official permission was granted by the BMC for this demolition. The “approval letter” submitted by the contractor was reportedly generated by an architect and not issued by the civic body. This raised concerns about forged or misleading documents being used to undertake major demolition work.
K/West ward officials, including Assistant Municipal Commissioner Mr. Chakrapani Alle, visited the site after receiving multiple calls from worried residents. They immediately issued a stop-work notice and referred the matter to the building proposal department for further action, officials also assured residents that the use of any explosive-like material if proven would lead to strict penalties.
Local activists and residents stated that this is not an isolated event. Many areas across Mumbai are witnessing unsafe redevelopment and demolition practices, especially where contractors try to speed up work by cutting corners. They highlighted that such activities pose a serious risk not only to workers but also to neighbouring families, especially senior citizens, children and those with respiratory conditions.
The Andheri West incident has renewed calls for better monitoring, stronger enforcement of demolition rules, and transparent permissions in high density areas. Residents are demanding a full investigation and firm action against those responsible. They say development is welcome, but not at the cost of public health and safety.
As Mumbai continues to grow, this incident is a reminder that all redevelopment must follow safe, legal and responsible methods to protect the people living around every project.
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Disclaimer – This article is for general information and is based on publicly available reports. It does not accuse any individual or organisation and encourages readers to verify details from official sources.
Source –
ET Realty
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