A fatal balcony collapse at an ageing MHADA cessed building in Walkeshwar has once again brought attention to the structural safety of Mumbai’s old buildings, particularly during the monsoon season. A 51-year-old pedestrian lost his life after debris from a third-floor balcony fell onto him while he was passing the building late last week.
The incident occurred at Surya Prakash Building on Babulnath Road at around 11.22 pm. The victim, Santosh Ramchandra Bharaskar, who worked at a nearby petrol pump, was trapped under the debris after the balcony gave way. Emergency teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Police, BEST, the 108 ambulance service and local ward officials rushed to the site. Bharaskar was rescued and taken to Sir J. J. Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Officials said the ground-plus-three-storey structure falls under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and is classified as a cessed building. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse.
The incident has renewed concerns over the condition of Mumbai’s ageing cessed buildings, many of which were constructed several decades ago and require regular structural maintenance, repairs or redevelopment. These concerns become more pronounced during the monsoon, when continuous rainfall can accelerate the deterioration of masonry, timber and steel components.
According to the latest list released by the BMC ahead of the current monsoon, 174 buildings across Mumbai have been categorised as C1, indicating that they are structurally unsafe and require immediate evacuation or demolition. Civic authorities have repeatedly urged residents of such buildings to shift to safer accommodation before the peak monsoon season.
The Walkeshwar tragedy was also reported as the second monsoon-related fatality in Mumbai within 24 hours. Experts have consistently stressed the importance of timely structural audits, preventive repairs and redevelopment of vulnerable buildings to minimise risks to residents and pedestrians.
Officials said the inquiry into the collapse is underway, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Source: Prop News Time
