Mumbai News: BMC Demolishes 13 Illegal Bhattis On Khairani Road; Locals Say Units Resume Within 48 Hours

The BMC recently demolished 13 illegal bhattis (foundries) on Khairani Road in Sakinaka, identifying them as a major source of air pollution in the area. These unauthorised furnaces, operating within small-scale industrial units, have been linked to serious health issues among local residents. However, citizens allege that the illegal units resume operations within just 48 hours of demolition. 

The civic team from the L Ward undertook enforcement action by puncturing 10 scrubbers used in the illegal units. Electricity supply was permanently disconnected to 12 galas, while one gala was already without power prior to the action. The demolition action was carried out by a dedicated team from the L Ward’s Building & Factory (B&F) Department, comprising three Assistant and Junior Engineers each, 4 mukadams, 20 labourers. Personnel from the Saki Naka police station were also present during the action. 

Residents of Chandivali and Khairani Road have complained of foul-smelling smoke from illegal furnaces, leading to health issues like allergies, throat infections, breathlessness, and weakened immunity—particularly among children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory ailments. Ramesh Mali, a resident of Khairani Road, said, “Despite repeated demolitions, these illegal units reappear within 48 hours. The BMC needs to take stringent, long-term measures to ensure they do not resurface. The situation becomes unbearable at night—thick, toxic smoke fills the air, and we’re forced to live with ongoing health hazards.”