BMC Restructures Administrative Wards: K-North Emerges from K-East

*MUMBAI*: In a significant administrative move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish a new ward, K-North, following the division of the existing K-East ward. This change, effective Thursday, is a response to the increasing population and demands of the area.

The K-East ward, which includes Andheri East, Vile Parle East, and Jogeshwari East, currently serves a population of approximately 11 lakh, as per the 2011 census. However, the BMC projects that this number may rise to around 13 to 14 lakh by 2024. The newly formed K-North ward is expected to accommodate between 8 to 10 lakh residents.

This restructuring aims to address the growing challenges faced by the civic body in managing public services and infrastructure in these densely populated suburbs. Key areas of concern within K-East include the MIDC, SEEPZ, and the Milan Subway, spanning a geographical area of 16.8 square kilometers and consisting of 15 councillor wards. Of these, eight will now belong to K-North, while seven will remain under K-East.

With the formation of K-North, the ward will encompass Jogeshwari East, Marol, SEEPZ, and MIDC, whereas K-East will retain Vile Parle, JB Nagar, and the vicinity of the airport. Notably, K-West ward, which includes Andheri, Juhu, and Vile Parle West, will remain unchanged. To support the new ward operations, approximately ₹21 crore has been allocated for civil and electrical works.

The decision to divide K-East follows a similar restructuring of the P-North ward (Malad West) in October 2022, which was split into P-East and P-West to better manage a population of 1.2 million.

Manish Valanju, assistant commissioner for K-East, will oversee the K-North ward, which will house 17 departments aimed at decentralizing services. This shift will facilitate easier tax payments and quicker resolution of civic issues for residents of Marol and Jogeshwari, who previously had to travel to Andheri East for assistance.

“Now, help will be closer to home,” Valanju stated, emphasizing that the decentralization will enhance emergency service management. He noted that K-North's setup will improve access for residents, particularly in slum areas of Jogeshwari, eliminating the long commutes to obtain essential services and documentation.

The proposal to split the K-East ward was initially approved by the standing committee 18 months ago, spurred by local MLA Ravindra Waikar’s concerns about overcrowding. Originally suggested by former councillor Anant Nar in November 2019, the plan took time to implement.

Looking ahead, discussions are underway regarding the potential division of the L ward, which covers areas like Kurla, Sakinaka, and Chandivali, as it faces similar pressures due to its population exceeding nine lakh.