Massive Protests Erupt in Dharavi as BMC Declares 25-Year-Old Subhania Mosque Illegal
Tension escalated in Mumbai’s densely populated Dharavi neighborhood on Saturday as protests erupted over the planned demolition of the 25-year-old Subhania Mosque located on 90 Feet Road. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently declared the mosque unauthorized and initiated steps for its demolition, sparking a massive backlash from the local community.
Protesters, many of whom have been sitting on the streets since the night before, have shown no signs of backing down, demanding that the mosque be spared. The mosque, which holds significant religious and cultural importance to the locals, became a flashpoint of controversy when the BMC’s move to declare it illegal prompted accusations of insensitivity and unfair treatment.
Protests Begin After BMC Declares Mosque Unauthorized
The BMC’s decision to label the mosque unauthorized has led to widespread unrest in Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas, known for being Asia’s largest slum. Residents claim the mosque, built 25 years ago, has been a vital part of the community, and demolishing it would be a blow to the area’s religious harmony and cultural heritage.
As word spread about the planned demolition, crowds gathered in the streets near the mosque. Local residents, many of them deeply religious, are refusing to leave the area until the BMC reverses its decision. For the second consecutive day, protesters, armed with placards and chanting slogans, lined the entire stretch of the 90 Feet Road near the mosque. Some have sat on the streets, disrupting traffic, while others have attempted to block access to the mosque entirely.
Police Intervention Fails to Fully Disperse Crowds
The Mumbai Police, caught between enforcing the BMC’s decision and maintaining law and order, have been deployed in large numbers to the area. Authorities have urged the protesters to clear the roads and allow normal traffic to resume, but the situation remains tense. While some protesters vacated parts of the road following police intervention, many continue to sit defiantly on the other side, refusing to budge until their demands are met.
The deployment of additional police personnel has not deterred the protesters, who are calling for the BMC to withdraw its demolition plans and reauthorize the mosque. Local leaders have been negotiating with police officers, urging them to allow the mosque to remain intact while offering solutions to resolve the issue peacefully.
BMC’s Efforts to Demolish Illegal Portions of the Mosque
The BMC’s G-North administrative ward officials arrived on 90 Feet Road early on Saturday morning, determined to carry out the demolition. According to reports from the police, the civic body planned to demolish what they allege is an illegal portion of the Mehboob-E-Subhani mosque. However, as the officials approached the area, they were met with fierce resistance from local residents.
A police official described the scene to reporters: “A team of BMC officials from G-North administrative ward reached 90 Feet Road in Dharavi around 9 am to demolish the alleged illegal portion of the Mehboob-E-Subhani mosque. Soon, a large number of local residents gathered at the spot and stopped the civic officials from entering the lane where the mosque is located.”
The BMC has yet to respond publicly to the protests or clarify their next steps in dealing with the unrest.
Protesters Determined to Save Their Mosque
For many in Dharavi, the Subhania Mosque represents more than just a place of worship — it’s a cornerstone of their community. Protesters argue that the mosque has been a part of the neighborhood for decades and question why the BMC is acting now to declare it unauthorized.
“We’ve prayed here for 25 years,” said one protester. “Why are they calling it illegal now? This is our sacred place, and we will not let it be demolished.”
The ongoing protests are drawing significant attention across Mumbai, with various social and political groups expressing solidarity with the residents of Dharavi. The mosque’s demolition has quickly become a symbol of broader concerns about the treatment of religious sites in urban development projects, especially in low-income neighborhoods like Dharavi.
Tensions Remain High as Negotiations Continue
As of Saturday afternoon, negotiations between community leaders, police, and BMC officials were ongoing. While the civic body has yet to proceed with the demolition, the situation remains fragile, with both sides at an impasse. The protests are expected to continue until a resolution is reached, with residents prepared to escalate their actions if the BMC refuses to back down.
Dharavi, often regarded as a hub of resilience and community spirit, is no stranger to challenges. As Asia’s largest slum, it is home to nearly a million people living in tightly packed conditions. The ongoing protests over the mosque’s fate have further highlighted the struggles of marginalized communities in rapidly developing urban environments, where the interests of local residents often clash with the priorities of civic authorities.
For now, the future of the Subhania Mosque remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the people of Dharavi are standing firm in their resolve to protect it. Whether this standoff will lead to a peaceful solution or escalate into a larger confrontation remains to be seen.
