September 5, 2025: Just a week after the tragic collapse of Ramabai Apartment in Virar West, which claimed 17 lives and injured nine others, another residential building in the Vasai-Virar region faced a structural emergency. On Tuesday afternoon, Alfia Apartment — also known as Saba Apartment — in Nalasopara East tilted dangerously, prompting the immediate evacuation of its residents.
Alert residents quickly informed the fire brigade and the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), and were forced to spend the night on the streets outside the society premises. Civic authorities demolished the building on Wednesday to prevent any untoward incident.
Constructed approximately 20 years ago, cracks were first noticed in the pillars at around 4:30 pm on Monday. Following these signs of structural instability, the VVCMC also vacated the neighbouring building as a precaution. A structural audit conducted on Tuesday night classified Alfia Apartment under the ‘C-1’ category — meaning the building was deemed structurally unsafe, beyond repair, and unfit for habitation — paving the way for its demolition and eventual redevelopment.
Azar Shaikh, a resident, recalled, “We held a meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss repairs and discovered cracks in the pillars. We immediately vacated and alerted the authorities.” Fire brigade personnel, VVCMC officials, and local police responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of all residents while they retrieved essential belongings.
Speaking to mid-day, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Alka Khaire said, “We had served multiple notices to the builder for illegal construction. The structural audit confirmed that the building falls under the ‘C-1’ category and requires demolition and redevelopment.”
Meanwhile, residents of Ramabai Apartment have relocated to relatives’ homes or rented accommodation, highlighting ongoing concerns about building safety in the rapidly developing region.
Source: Mid-day
