An 84-year-old commercial building in Mumbai’s Fort area has raised concerns over the process followed for assessing its structural safety after its classification changed from being recommended for demolition to requiring only minor repairs within a span of 18 months.
The property at 104/108, Modi Street has reportedly received three different structural classifications during this period — C-1, indicating demolition, C2-A, requiring major repairs, and most recently C-3, signifying the need for minor repairs.
The issue emerged in January 2025 when two structural audits produced contrasting findings. An audit commissioned by a tenant highlighted severe deterioration, low concrete strength and a high likelihood of reinforcement corrosion. It concluded that the structure was beyond repair and recommended a C-1 classification.
A separate assessment commissioned by the landlords presented more favourable structural findings and recommended a C2-A classification, indicating that the building could be restored through repairs.
The conflicting assessments were subsequently placed before the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). On July 1, 2025, the committee allowed repairs under the C2-A category, subject to completion within six months. It also stated that failure to complete the work within the stipulated period would result in the building reverting to C-1 status.
As the required repairs were not completed within the prescribed timeframe, the BMC restored the C-1 classification in February 2026 and began the demolition process. The Building Proposal Department subsequently rejected the owner’s request to carry out repairs, citing the earlier declaration that the structure was beyond repair.
The owner then approached the Bombay High Court against the demolition order and obtained interim relief.
The latest controversy followed the submission of another structural audit by the owner, which claimed that repair work had been completed and that the building now met the criteria for a C-3 classification.
The development has prompted a complaint to the Assistant Commissioner of A Ward, seeking information on how the repairs were carried out despite the earlier rejection. The complaint has also sought details of the engineers, contractor and BMC inspections involved, besides demanding an independent structural audit and joint inspection by senior civic officials.
A tenant, requesting anonymity, said the repeated changes in classification had created uncertainty among occupants over the actual safety of the building.
A senior BMC official said the matter is currently before the Bombay High Court and declined to comment, stating that the civic body would follow the court’s directions and applicable laws. The owner and structural consultant associated with the latest audit did not respond to queries before publication.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
