The Bombay High Court, hearing a plea from a Powai school alleging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) failure to act against unauthorized encroachments, expressed deep concern over the future of Mumbai if such squatting continues unchecked. The court highlighted how encroachments have narrowed roads, causing severe traffic congestion and even inappropriate activities like cooking and animal slaughter on public roads. It warned that if the situation persists, Mumbai’s infrastructure could degrade to the point where citizens might be forced to use bicycles or horses due to the lack of proper roads. The court demanded the presence of senior BMC officials at the next hearing and criticized both the civic body and Mumbai Police for their inaction despite previous court orders mandating penal action against violators.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Naushad Engineer, argued that the BMC was effectively aiding encroachers by providing amenities like toilets and water, violating a 2018 Bombay HC verdict requiring strict enforcement against illegal structures. The court questioned claims that disputed land belonged to a developer and emphasized that any construction on public roads requires BMC permission. It also referred to a recent HC order rejecting claims by slum dwellers to footpath encroachments. The bench underscored the urgency of clearing encroachments to preserve Mumbai’s urban environment and infrastructure, setting a deadline for the police to present a roadmap for removal by the end of February.