BMC Cracks Down on Unauthorised Alterations at Rustomjee Crown, 9 Flats Face Demolition Action
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up its action against alleged unauthorised alterations at the upscale Rustomjee Crown residential complex in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Over two days, the civic body demolished unauthorised constructions found inside nine flats, saying the work violated approved building plans and Floor Space Index (FSI) norms.
The action began on August 24, 2026, after the BMC completed the required legal process in the cases concerned. On the first day, unauthorised portions in three flats were removed. The demolition continued on August 25, taking the total number of flats affected by the drive to nine.
The civic body said the wider issue involves 138 of the 372 flats in the A and B wings of the complex. Notices were issued to these flats following complaints about alleged unauthorised construction and changes to areas that were not part of the approved apartment layouts.
What Did the BMC Find?
According to the civic body, some residents had enclosed portions of common lobbies using wooden panels and lightweight Siporex blocks. These enclosed areas were then incorporated into the usable space of the flats.
In some apartments, parts of kitchen ducts and ventilation shafts were allegedly covered with mild steel plates and brought into the flat area. The BMC also found one such enclosed portion being used as a storeroom.
The civic body further said that in some cases, sections of rooms had been extended into kitchen areas using Siporex material. Such changes, according to the BMC, were not part of the sanctioned building plans.
Action Taken After Legal Process
The BMC clarified that the demolition was not carried out randomly. It said action was initiated only in cases where the prescribed statutory process had been completed and formal orders had already been issued.
The operation involved 15 workers, two supervisors, four engineers and eight police personnel. The civic body said more action could follow in other eligible cases once the required legal procedures are completed.
The BMC has also said that the expenses involved in removing the unauthorised structures will be recovered from the concerned occupants.
A High-Rise in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi
Rustomjee Crown is a major high-rise residential complex in Prabhadevi. The building has three basements, a ground floor and 63 upper floors. According to the BMC, the residential apartments are located from the 14th to the 63rd floors, while the lower levels include parking and other utility facilities.
The complex has attracted attention because it includes homes belonging to prominent individuals, including politicians and other high-profile residents.
Developer Says It Followed Approved Plans
The Rustomjee Group has maintained that the project was constructed according to plans sanctioned by the competent authorities under the 1991 Development Control Regulations.
The developer has denied any violation on its part and said it has been cooperating with the authorities throughout the process. The group said it has provided the information sought by the civic body and has also been encouraging residents to take corrective steps wherever required.
More Action May Follow
The latest demolition drive highlights the BMC’s continued focus on unauthorised modifications in high-rise residential buildings. While the civic body maintains that the action is aimed at enforcing approved building plans and FSI rules, the developer has maintained that it complied with the sanctioned plans.
For now, the BMC has made it clear that further action could be taken against other flats where violations are established and the necessary statutory process has been completed.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
