Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) identified nearly 8,000 commercial units operating within slum areas, generating property tax bills amounting to approximately Rs 21 crore. As of October 4, notices have been issued to 7,500 of these units, signalling the city’s commitment to formalising revenue streams from previously unassessed economic activity.
Western suburbs lead the revenue generation, producing over Rs 12 crore in property taxes from commercial units, followed by the island city and eastern suburbs. Notably, the eastern suburbs host the highest number of commercial units in slums, especially in the L-ward and S-ward, each with more than 1,000 units. Despite their numbers, these wards generate comparatively lower revenue due to varying ready reckoner rates applied across the city. Among individual wards, K East emerges as the highest contributor, generating Rs 2.9 crore in property tax, followed by P North at Rs 2.04 crore and K West with Rs 2.01 crore. L-ward, covering Kurla, Saki Naka, Chandivali, and parts of Powai, has the largest number of commercial units identified, highlighting the density of economic activity within Mumbai’s slum areas. S ward, encompassing Bhandup and Kanjurmarg, and F South ward follow in terms of the number of units.
The BMC’s assessment is part of a broader strategy to formalise and monetise economic activities operating in slums. With an estimated 2.5 lakh slums across Mumbai, around 20%—approximately 50,000 slums—host commercial ventures such as shops, small industries, warehouses, and hotels. Officials project that extending property tax assessments across these commercial units could yield a cumulative revenue of around Rs 350 crore for the municipal corporation. Experts note that these units have benefited from city infrastructure and services, yet have largely remained outside the formal taxation framework. Incorporating them under the property tax net not only strengthens BMC’s finances but also aligns with equitable urban governance, ensuring all residents contribute fairly to municipal development.
The BMC clarified that payment of property tax does not legalise structures constructed illegally; however, it ensures accountability and integrates informal economic sectors into the city’s fiscal system. The initiative underscores Mumbai’s growing emphasis on sustainable revenue management while recognising the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving within slum communities.
