July 19, 2025: The collapse of a chawl in Bharat Nagar, Bandra East, on Friday has once again highlighted the growing issue of unauthorised constructions across Mumbai. While initial reports suggested the structure fell under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) purview, it was later confirmed that the land belongs to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
Mrudula Ande, Assistant Commissioner of H East Ward, which covers the affected area, told Mid-Day: “This land belongs to MHADA, and all the structures on it are classified as slums. It is MHADA’s responsibility to verify their legality and take necessary action. Despite the high density, the BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade responded swiftly, rescuing all 15 occupants without any fatalities.”
The incident has raised pressing concerns about the lack of enforcement and monitoring by housing authorities. MHADA officials admitted that the land in question was allocated to slum dwellers between 1975 and 1977, with each family allotted a 10×16-foot plot. The occupants were originally permitted to construct only ground-floor units.
However, over the years, many residents added unauthorised upper floors. “As there hadn’t been any major incidents in the past, enforcement was lax,” a MHADA official explained.
Milind Borrikar, Chief Officer of MHADA’s Mumbai Board, stated: “Surveys have been ongoing since MHADA was granted full housing authority four to five years ago. The city’s scale, combined with staff shortages, slows the process. We are also restricted from carrying out evictions during monsoon months. That said, post-incident, the survey has been fast-tracked. Around 250 illegal structures have already been identified in Bharat Nagar, and notices will soon be issued.” The episode underscores longstanding governance gaps, where acknowledged risks go unaddressed—until a collapse forces urgent action.
Source: Mid-day
