In a major demolition drive undertaken by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday, 1,410 shanties in Ganpat Patil Nagar slums in Dahisar (East), were bulldozed amidst vehement protests from locals and politicians.

Locals alleged one of the residents whose house was demolished died of a heart attack on Thursday, but ward officials denied such an incident took place.

In the first phase of the demolition undertaken on Thursday, hutments built within 50 metres of mangroves were demolished.

“Demolitions were carried out in 14 lanes of Ganpat Patil Nagar. A huge mob had gathered in lane 14, but with adequate police protection, the demolition was carried out without any hassles,” said Anand Waghralkar, deputy municipal commissioner (removal of encroachments).

Assistant municipal commissioner of R North ward, Santoshkumar Dhonde, said, “Slums are yet to be identified for the second phase of demolition in Ganpat Patil Nagar. On Friday, we will lift the demolition rubble to ensure that the area is not encroached on again. We are considering fencing the area so that hutments do not spring up again”.