BMC and SRA Tussle Over Worli Sewage Plant Land Intensifies
The longstanding dispute between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) over a prime land parcel in Worli has escalated dramatically. The conflict centers on a 17,756 square meter plot reserved for a crucial sewage treatment plant (STP), which has become the site of unauthorized transit camps and competing construction activities.
SRA Hands Back Land, Orders Demolition of Transit Camps
In a significant development on Friday, the SRA formally handed over possession of the contested Worli plot to the BMC. This action came in direct response to notices served by the municipal corporation, which demanded immediate cessation of all construction work on the STP-reserved land. Simultaneously, the SRA issued directives for the demolition of seven transit camp buildings (numbered 1 through 7) that had been constructed on the site.
The SRA justified its demolition order by citing multiple regulatory violations by the developers. Authorities revoked all previously granted permissions after determining that the developers failed to obtain necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) and the land-owning authority, which happens to be the BMC itself. This represents a complete reversal of the SRA's earlier position regarding the transit camps.
BMC Alleges Illegal Construction, Files Criminal Complaint
The BMC's aggressive stance against the SRA began with a formal letter on February 5, highlighting that the transit camp buildings had received approval from SRA's G/South ward executive engineer. Senior municipal officials expressed grave concern that construction activities were adversely impacting two major sewer lines passing through the land, potentially disrupting essential sewage flow for the area.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi deemed the SRA's approval for the transit camps "illegal" and took decisive action. On Thursday, she directed the chief engineer of sewerage operations to lodge a criminal complaint against D B Patil, the executive engineer of SRA's G/South ward, for allegedly granting illegal permissions for the transit camp construction.
Conflicting Claims Over Current Construction Activities
Amidst the escalating tensions, SRA officials conducted a site visit on Friday that revealed a surprising development. While the transit camps face demolition, SRA representatives observed that no construction activity was currently underway by SRA or its developers on the plot. Instead, they noted that the BMC's own bridge department was actively carrying out work on the land.
"We observed machinery belonging to the BMC's bridge contractor present at the site," an SRA official revealed. "They are working on an elevated bridge project connecting E Moses Road with Anne Besant Road, despite this being land specifically reserved for the sewage treatment plant."
Historical Context and Political Dimensions
The current confrontation has deeper roots. The SRA disclosed that it had previously filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the developers in August 2025 and issued notices under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1996. These actions were taken after the developers failed to procure necessary environmental clearances as required by government notifications.
The political dimension of the conflict became apparent when Shiv Sena corporator and group leader Amey Ghole entered the fray. On Friday, Ghole wrote to the Chief Secretary demanding cancellation of deputation and an independent inquiry against the SRA engineer, citing allegations of "misuse of official position, contradictory actions, and serious procedural irregularities."
The Worli land dispute now presents a complex scenario where both civic authorities accuse each other of violations while claiming regulatory compliance for their own actions. With the SRA handing back the land but ordering demolition of structures, and the BMC pursuing criminal charges while allegedly conducting its own construction on the contested plot, the resolution of this conflict remains uncertain as both agencies assert their authority over the prime Mumbai real estate.
