Ahead of the monsoon season, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 82 buildings across Mumbai as structurally unsafe and at high risk of collapse, prompting the issuance of evacuation and safety notices to residents.
The buildings have been classified under the ‘C-1’ category, the most critical classification for dilapidated structures. Buildings falling under this category are deemed unfit for occupation and require immediate evacuation or demolition due to serious structural concerns.
The identification exercise was carried out as part of MHADA’s annual pre-monsoon survey of ageing residential properties under its jurisdiction. Conducted every year before the onset of heavy rains, the inspection aims to detect vulnerable structures and reduce the risk of accidents during the monsoon period.
According to officials, the 82 buildings are spread across different parts of Mumbai and were found to be in severely deteriorated condition. Residents and occupants of these properties have been formally notified and advised to vacate the premises to prevent potential loss of life or property.
To ensure preparedness, MHADA is coordinating with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), local police departments and disaster management authorities to facilitate evacuation efforts and emergency response planning.
Officials noted that many of the identified structures belong to Mumbai’s ageing housing stock, where decades of wear and tear, insufficient maintenance and prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions have weakened structural integrity. During the monsoon, heavy rainfall can further stress compromised foundations, walls and roofs, significantly increasing the likelihood of structural failure.
MHADA has appealed to residents to cooperate with evacuation directives and prioritise safety. Authorities warned that remaining in buildings declared unsafe poses a serious threat not only to occupants but also to nearby residents, pedestrians and adjoining properties.
The exercise forms part of Mumbai’s broader annual safety drive aimed at monitoring dilapidated buildings before the rains. With redevelopment of several ageing structures still pending, concerns over building safety continue to remain a major urban challenge. MHADA has stated that it will closely monitor the identified properties throughout the monsoon while working with housing societies and relevant agencies on long-term rehabilitation and redevelopment solutions.
Source: Prop News Time
