The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), along with nine municipal corporations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has identified 18,072 buildings as dangerous ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. Among these, 827 structures have been categorised as “extremely dangerous,” raising concerns over public safety during heavy rainfall.
Authorities have issued notices to occupants and owners of these buildings, directing evacuation and precautionary measures. However, concerns remain over whether necessary action, including evacuation and demolition, can be completed before the onset of intense monsoon rains.
Separately, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide recently released a list of 174 “C1 category” dangerous buildings within Mumbai city limits. Of these, officials stated that 72 structures have already been vacated.
Every year during the monsoon, Mumbai and surrounding cities face the threat of structural failures in ageing and dilapidated buildings. Continuous rainfall often weakens already fragile structures, increasing the risk of partial collapses, accidents, and loss of life.
Despite repeated notices and warnings from civic authorities, many residents continue to occupy unsafe buildings due to the shortage of rehabilitation housing, delays in redevelopment projects, and limited availability of alternative accommodation.
As part of monsoon preparedness measures, the Thane district administration recently instructed civic bodies to conduct urgent structural audits of buildings considered vulnerable or high-risk. Officials have been asked to closely monitor structures that may pose safety threats during heavy rainfall.
Dangerous building lists have also been published by municipal corporations in several parts of the MMR, including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, and Panvel.
However, rehabilitation challenges continue to remain a major issue across the region. In many cases, residents are reluctant to vacate unsafe structures until alternative housing arrangements are finalised. Delays in redevelopment approvals and transit accommodation have further complicated evacuation efforts.
With the monsoon season approaching, civic agencies are under pressure to speed up inspections, evacuations, and safety measures to prevent building-related disasters across Mumbai and neighbouring urban areas.
Source: Mumbai Live
