Mumbai: As many as 77 illegal slums that are obstructing the widening of Rafi Nagar nullah at Govandi were demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday. The drive would expedite the widening of nullahs before the monsoon, said civic officials.

The Rafi Nagar Nullah, located near Durga Seva Sangh in Shivaji Nagar area, is one of the major nullahs in the city. Due to encroachments on the nullah bed, flooding used to take place in surrounding areas like Ahilyabai Holkar Marg, 90 Feet Marg and Shivaji Nagar bus depot.

“Illegal encroachments were erected on both sides of nullah, due to which it’s widening was delayed for eight years. After ascertaining their eligibility, we demolished 77 illegal slums,” said M-East assistant commissioner Shriniwas Kilje.

According to civic officials, the demolition drive would expedite the widening of Rafi Nagar nullah. It would also ensure the water in surrounding areas recedes quickly, thus preventing traffic snarls.

The BMC had deployed 25 labourers and 46 policemen for the drive, in which three JCB machines and two dumpers were used, said civic officials.

In addition to this, the civic body also demolished an illegal construction and four unauthorised commercial structures on Juhu-Goregaon Link Road in Jogeshwari (west).