Old buildings across Maharashtra will now have to meet additional safety and environmental requirements before receiving new water, drainage or similar utility connections. A government resolution issued by the Urban Development Department on Monday makes submission of a valid structural stability certificate and construction permission mandatory for such applications.
The directive covers buildings located within municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats across the state. Applicants will also have to comply with provisions related to rainwater harvesting and solid waste or bio-sludge management.
The move is part of the state government’s “ease of doing business and ease of living” initiative, with the objective of establishing a standardised process for providing utility connections to older structures. The procedure will be implemented in accordance with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.
Under the new framework, civic authorities will process applications for water, drainage and other utility connections after the prescribed conditions are fulfilled. Applicants will need to provide the building’s construction permit along with a valid structural stability certificate. The documents will be scrutinised by an engineer before approval.
Rainwater Harvesting And Waste Management To Be Assessed
A feasibility report will also be required to determine whether adequate space exists within the premises for rainwater harvesting and solid waste or bio-sludge management facilities.
The assessment will further examine whether installing these systems could create any safety risks for the building itself or neighbouring properties.
The latest directive comes amid wider efforts by the Maharashtra government to address the redevelopment of ageing buildings. In July, the state introduced an amendment to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) Act aimed at reviving Section 79A and facilitating redevelopment of dilapidated structures.
Mumbai has more than 13,000 cessed buildings, many dating back to before 1940. Several redevelopment projects have remained stalled because of landlord-tenant disputes, litigation and delays in reconstruction.
According to RTI data obtained by activist Jeetendra Ghadge, Mumbai recorded 345 full or partial building collapse incidents between 2021 and August 2025, resulting in eight deaths.
The amendment, passed by both Houses of the state legislature, is awaiting the Governor’s assent. It empowers designated MHADA officers to exercise powers under Section 79A.
A MHADA official said, “Our special committee report submitted to the Bombay HC was self-explanatory, and we have proven how MHADA and the Building and Repairs Department [of MHADA] are the competent authorities. We hope the Supreme Court will also take the right decision,” the official said.
Source: Mid-day
