BMC Evicts Over 600 Shopkeepers At Bellasis Road Mall Following SC Order
More than 600 traders at Orchid City Centre Mall on Bellasis Road in Mumbai have been forced to shut shop after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation began action on Tuesday to vacate the complex. The civic body initiated the operation in compliance with a Supreme Court order requiring the building to remain closed until safety repairs are finished.
The traders, who primarily deal in mobile accessories, said they were put out on the street overnight and are facing heavy financial losses due to the sudden stoppage. Kesharam Choudhary, who has sold mobile covers and accessories at the mall since 2015, said shopkeepers earned at least ₹1 lakh a month to pay rent, salaries, and living costs. He noted that business had previously suffered for nearly two years after a fire hit the mall in 2020, but had gradually recovered once operations resumed.
Mobile accessory businesses account for around 90% of the mall's occupancy, while the remaining premises include other commercial galas, warehouses used by delivery partners, and a bank. The BMC launched coordinated enforcement after the Supreme Court directed that the entire structure not be used for any purpose until comprehensive repairs to the fire-damaged sections are completed and the civic body certifies it safe for movement and operation.
Santosh Salunkhe, assistant municipal commissioner of D Ward, explained that the upper floors had suffered fire damage and repairs had not been completed, even though the ground and first floors were functioning. Salunkhe said the mall will only be permitted to reopen after securing statutory compliances, including fire-compliant status and a completion certificate from the BMC. Rahul Kolekar, designated officer of D Ward, added that a gala owner had approached the Supreme Court over the incomplete construction.
Civic authorities have disconnected the mall's water supply and cut electricity, allowing power only where needed for repair and construction work. Public notices prohibiting entry, use, and occupation have been placed on the building, and action has been directed against relevant municipal licences.
The operation follows a coordination meeting organised by D Ward with officials from the building and factory department, building proposals department, Mumbai fire brigade, Nagpada police, BEST Undertaking, and mall representatives. The Nagpada police have been deployed to provide protection and maintain law and order, while the BMC has warned owners, developers, and occupants that failure to comply could bring stricter measures, including further sealing.
