BMC Orders Demolition of 45 Illegal Flats in Dongri's Noble Tower

Mumbai :In a decisive move against unauthorized construction, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a demolition order for 45 illegally constructed flats in Noble Tower, a 22-storey high-rise located in Dongri. The action follows the discovery that six parking and refuge floors had been illegally converted into residential apartments, flouting the building’s sanctioned blueprint from January 2010.

The issue came to light in August 2024, when a concerned tenant lodged a complaint regarding the misuse of designated parking areas. Following this, on August 7, the BMC served a notice under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, demanding restoration of the building to its original approved layout.

Despite the notice, no corrective measures were taken by the developer, leading to further action.

According to Nitin Shukla, Assistant Commissioner of B Ward, each of the six floors in question housed five illegal flats, accommodating around 45 families. An FIR was lodged on December 10, 2024, and eviction notices were issued to residents on February 28, 2025, with a one-month deadline to vacate the premises.

The BMC commenced demolition after obtaining police protection, which delayed the original schedule set for April 15. Ahead of the operation, water and electricity connections were disconnected to the illegal flats, while ground-floor storage units were also removed. Some residents have since vacated voluntarily.

The civic body has scheduled phased demolition from April 22 to April 25, aiming to fully dismantle all unauthorized constructions and restore the structure to its approved configuration. The action is part of BMC's broader initiative to enforce strict compliance with building norms and deter illegal modifications in residential structures.