Dharavi mosque begins demolishing illegal parts

Action comes nine days after a large crowd thwarted the BMC's initial attempt to remove the illegal portions

- Rueha Kanolkar

The trustees of the Mehboob-e-Subhaniya Mosque in Dharavi have initiated the demolition of unauthorised structures, nine days after BMC's attempt to remove the illegal portions was thwarted by a large crowd.

On September 21, the G-North ward had attempted to demolish the illegal extensions on the mosque, on 90-Feet Road. However, resistance from the mosque's trustees, who requested an extension, led to a temporary halt. The BMC granted the trust four to five days to voluntarily dismantle the unauthorised construction. By Sunday night, the trustees had finally commenced the work, covering the site with green fabric to obscure the activity, and releasing photographs to confirm the progress.

"The trust has begun the demolition as promised. They requested a few days, which we granted, and they are now following through on their commitment," BMC Additional Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi said.