India, April 16 -- Even as successive governments have promised a "slum-free Mumbai," the encroached area in the city has grown by 68% between 2011 and 2025, according to satellite-based estimates by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), though officials declined to disclose the underlying area figures.

Despite repeatedly extending the eligibility cut-off dates to regularise existing slums-from 1995 to 2000 and later to 2011-the state has consistently vowed that no new encroachments would be allowed in Mumbai. However, enforcement agencies appear to have failed to protect open spaces and mangroves, particularly along the city's coastal belt, according to officials aware of the developments.

Slums now occupy around 24% of Mumbai's lan...