Ahead of the monsoon season, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has classified 82 cessed buildings in Mumbai’s island city as highly dangerous and has begun evacuating residents from these structures as a precautionary measure.
The identification was made during MHADA’s annual pre-monsoon structural audit conducted by the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board. The exercise is carried out each year to minimise the risk of building collapses during heavy rainfall, particularly in older parts of the city where ageing buildings remain vulnerable.
Of the 82 structures flagged this year, 43 had already been declared unsafe in the previous survey, while the remaining buildings were added following recent inspections. MHADA stated that these properties are in an advanced state of deterioration and could pose a serious threat to both occupants and pedestrians if not vacated promptly.
The affected buildings currently accommodate 2,736 occupants, including 2,256 residential tenants and residents and 480 occupants of commercial and non-residential premises.
As part of the evacuation drive, notices are being issued in phases. So far, 176 residential occupants have been directed to vacate their premises immediately. MHADA said the process will continue until all residents living in the identified structures have been notified.
To support displaced residents, transit accommodation arrangements are being put in place. According to the authority, 29 tenants have already moved to MHADA-operated transit camps, while 36 others have arranged alternative housing independently. Officials estimate that around 2,102 occupants may require accommodation in transit facilities, and the necessary administrative arrangements are underway.
MHADA has appealed to residents to cooperate with evacuation efforts and follow safety instructions issued by authorities. The agency also urged citizens to report visible signs of structural distress in old buildings, such as cracks, leaning walls, water seepage or partial collapses, to enable timely intervention and prevent accidents during the monsoon.
Source: Mid-day
