Mumbai, Oct. 2 -- On the day the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was scheduled to launch a three-month drive to demolish unauthorised slum structures exceeding 14 feet, the administration denied ever announcing the initiative, casting doubt over its future. Initially announced on September 19, the proposed drive aimed to target 39,111 structures citywide between October 1 and December 31. Driven by safety concerns following recent tragedies like the Kurla landslide and Mankhurd building collapse, the drive faced immediate political pushback. On Thursday, as operations were expected to commence, civic officials distanced themselves from the plan. Devendra Singh, Joint Commissioner (Vigilance)-who was named in the initial press release as the officer guiding the drive-stated, "There was no special drive announced." When pressed regarding the official release, Singh directed inquiries to Public Relations Officer (PRO) Tanaji Kamble, who could not be reached for comment. Over the past ten days, delegations from the BJP, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT) met Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to demand a halt to the demolitions. Although sources indicate Bhide appeared receptive to their pleas, the civic body issued no formal revocation of the September 19 release. This administrative ambiguity has left field officers confused. Officials reported that while routine demolition actions continue, no large-scale operations occurred on Thursday, and senior personnel remain uninformed regarding the status of the drive. Trivan Kumar Karnani, founder of the Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF), said the confusion reflected poorly on the civic administration. "Those opposing the drive must also take responsibility, when an untoward incident happens. All those who are batting against the drive and buckling under pressure, must be criminally charged" he said. Advocate Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, president of the Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society, who is opposing the drive said, "Although the drive did not take place today, there is still no written assurance from the civic body. Its stand remains hazy and there is no clarity on what happens next."BMC chief Bhide could not be reached for comment....