Mumbai civic body plans to finish demolition of illegal shrines by August 31

Deputy municipal commissioner for removal of encroachments Ranjit Dhakne said, "A total of 272 have been taken down so far, 210 remains. I have asked all ward offices to finish work by August 31."

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation plans to get rid of all illegal religious structures in public places of the city by August 31 after the Bombay high court gave it a deadline of November 16.

Only 482 structures identified under category B can be demolished or shifted as they are encroaching on public spaces and are in the way of development. (HT)

Deputy municipal commissioner for removal of encroachments Ranjit Dhakne said, "A total of 272 have been taken down so far, 210 remains. I have asked all ward offices to finish work by August 31."

Andheri (West) ward, that had 42 shrines listed as category B structures, has either demolished or relocated 39 so far. K/West assistant municipal commissioner Prashant Gaikwad said that there were stay orders on two of the them.

"Because of festivities coming up, BMC wanted to finish the work early," said Gaikwad.

Civic officials of Bandra (west) ward said that 19 of the 38 shrines in category B had been taken down. There are stay orders on demolition of two crosses in Bandra. "Some were demolished, some taken down by the owners. What remains will be razed soon after we get the go-ahead," said an official.