Residents of Charkop Sector 8 were left shaken on Wednesday afternoon as pile testing for the Coastal Road’s Charkop interconnector triggered major vibrations across nearby buildings. Occupants of the seven-storied Sea Mist building reported intense tremors that caused panic, with many rushing downstairs. “Our bed shook and the window panes rattled in our sixth-floor flat, scaring my wife, who locked the door and ran downstairs,” said Satish Sawant. Nishang Ashar added, “My wife and child thought there was an earthquake.”
Bharat Jagtap, secretary of Sea Mist, told HT that while a structural audit of all flats near the work site was conducted last September, nothing had prepared residents for such strong effects. “We are not against the work,” he clarified. “Yesterday’s hydraulic hammering caused issues, but today the hydraulic drilling proceeded without any problem.”
Anil Malhotra, chairman of Charkop Shree Gajanan CHS, urged better communication. “While we don’t expect updates for every minor activity, we should be informed about significant work. Authorities must take responsibility for any damage to our buildings or residents.”
The residents temporarily halted the piling work and wrote to the bridges department seeking explanations. Mili Shetty of the Charkop Sector 8 Vikas Samiti, representing 22 buildings and 40 cluster societies, noted that while officials had issued prior notices, residents were unprepared for the intensity of the vibrations. She has organized a meeting with local legislator Sanjay Upadhyay to address concerns.
A bridge department official explained that the vibrations likely originated from cement concrete roadwork. “We have modified the methodology, and work has resumed,” he said. “Vibration sensors are being used to ensure limits are not exceeded. Mumbai has completed underground tunnels and metro projects safely, and we aim to finish this work without incident.”
Source: Hindustan Times
