Demolition work at a redevelopment site in Seven Bungalows, Andheri West, was halted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after a large concrete slab fell while workers were dismantling a water tank on the terrace of the Ratan Kunj building. The incident triggered strong vibrations in nearby structures and created a dense cloud of dust, alarming residents in the surrounding area.
The building is currently undergoing redevelopment. During the removal of the overhead water tank, a heavy slab broke loose and crashed down, sending tremors through adjacent buildings. Several residents said the impact felt similar to a mild earthquake, prompting concerns about structural safety in the neighbourhood. Alarmed by the sudden shaking and dust, locals alerted the Versova police.
Residents also pointed out that basic safety precautions appeared to be missing at the site. According to them, there were no barricades, protective safety nets, or water sprinklers to control dust and falling debris during the demolition work. Civic activists argued that the absence of these safeguards made the incident preventable and unnecessarily exposed people living nearby to potential danger.
Officials from the BMC’s K West ward confirmed that demolition activity at the site was stopped after authorities found violations of safety protocols. A civic team visited the location to conduct an inspection and subsequently issued notices to the developer for failing to follow the required guidelines.
The Versova police stated that they would examine the BMC’s report and determine whether any legal action is required depending on the findings.
Although no injuries were reported, the incident has revived memories of earlier redevelopment-related accidents in the city, including a fatal case in Jogeshwari East where debris from a demolition site killed a young woman. Residents and activists are now urging stricter supervision of demolition work and stronger enforcement of safety measures, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods.
The BMC reiterated that all redevelopment projects must adhere to established safety standards and said it has begun reviewing other demolition sites in the ward to ensure compliance and minimise risks to nearby residents.
Source: Prop News Time
