MUMBAI: A sense of panic gripped Sahyog Nagar in Andheri West on Thursday morning after allegations arose that the New Vikas Co-operative Housing Society was demolished without adhering to BMC guidelines. Residents reported that the developer allegedly used prohibited explosives, creating an explosion-like sound and a massive dust cloud that enveloped the neighborhood.
According to local residents, the demolition occurred around noon on November 26, without any standard safety measures in place. They accused the developers of using banned explosives, posing a grave risk to the densely populated area.
Parag Motani, a Shastri Nagar resident, was at the nearby Amboli police chowki when he heard the detonation. “I heard a loud noise and saw huge plumes of dust billowing,” he recounted. “This is extremely worrying. Mumbai’s air quality is already poor, and this reckless demolition only exacerbates the problem. We need immediate action to address these violations.”
Motani and others experienced breathing difficulties, low visibility, and increased anxiety as dust spread throughout the area.
He noted that the Andheri West incident exemplified a citywide issue. “Numerous demolitions in Mumbai blatantly disregard safety and environmental regulations. Many sites lack essential dust-control measures, sending debris into surrounding neighborhoods. With the AQI dangerously high, unregulated demolitions are worsening public health hazards. Authorities should have waited for the dust to settle.”
Impact on Vulnerable Residents
Citizen groups emphasized that the situation extends beyond procedural errors and poses significant health risks. Dhaval Shah, founder of the Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens’ Association, stated that complaints flooded in shortly after the explosion.
“A resident informed us that dust had spread throughout the entire lane; they couldn’t even see the demolition happening,” Shah said. “The primary concern is for the senior citizens living in Seven Bungalows and Four Bungalows. With Mumbai’s AQI already above 200, this additional dust is hazardous.”
Shah pointed out that many elderly residents already wear masks due to pollution, and numerous elders and children reported breathing difficulties and visibility issues after the explosion.
Local MNS leader Prashant Rane accused the developer of acting illegally by employing explosives. “One part of the structure was demolished floor by floor, as per normal procedure. For the other part, which would require more time, the builder resorted to explosives that are strictly prohibited,” he explained.
Rane mentioned receiving multiple complaints regarding both the illegality and the pollution caused by the demolition.
“We have lodged a complaint with the BMC, requesting a stop-work notice, and have approached the police to file an FIR against the developer. No safety measures were taken, leaving the entire area in fear.”
Residents are now calling for a comprehensive investigation and strict penalties to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
No Approval Issued
“Upon investigation, we found that the BMC had not granted any demolition approval,” stated Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi. “The architect generated the permission letter independently.”
Stop-Work Directive
Assistant Commissioner of K/West ward, Chakrapani Alle, confirmed that action is underway. “Following the complaint, we instructed the builder to halt all work immediately,” he stated. “We have also directed the Building Proposal Department to take action against the unauthorized demolition.”
