Why Are These Notices Being Issued?
On May 28, 2025, tragedy struck a MHADA-reconstructed building in Byculla (W), Mumbai. A woman died and another was injured when a part of an illegal extension collapsed. This structure had been modified by tenants beyond the original floor plan, a practice that’s become alarmingly common.
Following the incident, the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) has issued urgent notices to over 388 similar buildings across the city. These notices direct tenants to remove illegal extensions immediately or face action.
What Are Illegal Extensions?
Illegal extensions refer to any structural modifications done without civic approval. Common examples include:
- Building extra rooms
- Extending balconies or kitchens
- Converting parking areas into flats
- Covering open terraces
Such changes often violate the Floor Space Index (FSI) and load-bearing design of old buildings, increasing the risk of collapses.
Areas Under the Scanner
The crackdown isn’t limited to Byculla. Other areas in Mumbai have also seen action:
1. Dongri
BMC recently demolished 45 illegal flats inside Noble Tower. The flats were created on parking floors and sold illegally. Tenants received notices months before, and those who didn’t vacate faced utility disconnections.
2. Madh Island
Close to 100 notices were issued to homeowners and tenants staying in illegal constructions within eco-sensitive zones. Actor Mithun Chakraborty’s bungalow was also on the list.
3. Pydhonie (South Mumbai)
BMC demolished unauthorized roof structures despite temporary court stays, marking a clear intent to enforce safety codes.
What Do the Notices Mean for Tenants?
The notices warn of the following:
- Voluntary Removal: Tenants are asked to dismantle illegal structures at their own cost.
- Time-Limited Compliance: Failure to comply may lead to demolition by authorities and legal action.
- No Legal Ground: Tenants often don’t have legal standing to challenge the notices—only the landlord or building society can approach the court.
Safety First – Why It’s Important
These steps are not just about compliance—they’re about saving lives. Buildings with unauthorized extensions weaken over time. Tragic events like the Byculla collapse are warnings we can’t ignore.
Proactive demolition is better than reactive disaster management. According to civic engineers, many MHADA buildings built in the 1980s-90s have not undergone structural audits in decades.
What Should You Do as a Tenant?
Here’s a quick action plan if your building has received a notice:
- Check Your Structure
Compare your flat with the original floor plan. If there are unauthorized additions, prepare to remove them. - Engage Your Society or Landlord
Only property owners can challenge notices legally. Work with them, not against them. - Don’t Wait
Voluntary action may save you from fines or forced demolition. - Keep Records
If your flat was sold or rented with the extension in place, gather documentation. It may help your case. - Consult Experts
Legal and civil engineers can guide you on whether the structure is safe or liable for demolition.
What the Authorities Are Saying
MBRRB and BMC have made it clear: illegal extensions are a public safety threat. Civic officials stated that repeated awareness campaigns and warnings have gone ignored. Now, enforcement is the only option.
An official from MBRRB told the press, “Our intention is not to harass tenants, but to save lives. What happened in Byculla should not happen again.”
A Citywide Wake-up Call
This crackdown is not just a legal matter—it’s a citywide wake-up call. Every resident must ask: Is my home structurally safe? Is my extension legal?
The focus is now on preventive action. Regular audits, awareness drives, and stricter monitoring of building plans are expected in coming months.
Final Thoughts
The move by authorities to serve notices across Mumbai is bold, necessary, and overdue. The focus keyword—Mumbai notices tenants to remove illegal extensions—is now more than just a headline. It’s a signal that civic safety must come before convenience.
For tenants, the best course of action is compliance and caution. Work with your society, take down illegal structures, and live in a home that’s not just bigger, but safer.
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