In an urgent move against illegal alterations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stop work notices to 65 flats in two Malad-Marve high-rises. The owners, in violation of regulations, had undertaken unauthorized modifications, merged apartments and even installing lifts. The offenders, warned of demolition and penalties, now face significant consequences for compromising the structural integrity of their buildings. The BMC's swift action serves as a stark reminder about the importance of adhering to safety regulations and building codes.
In an urgent move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken action against unlawful alterations in two of Mumbai's high-rise buildings, issuing stop work notices to 65 flats. The skyscrapers in question are located in the Malad-Marve district, known as Auris Serenity Tower-2 and Aspee Enclave.
The 70-storey Auris Serenity Tower-2, the tallest building in P north ward, and the 34-storey Aspee Enclave on Marve Road, have both been found with unauthorized modifications. Flat owners, in violation of regulations, have combined apartments, with some transforming into duplex units complete with lifts.
The BMC has delivered notices to 32 flats in the Auris Serenity Tower-2 and 33 in the Aspee Enclave. "In Aspee Enclave, for example, an owner has merged two 3bhk flats on different levels into a sizable 12bhk duplex, installing an elevator in the process," informed a P north ward civic official.
These unoccupied, newly constructed units have been subject to amalgamation by owners who enlist their architects, bypassing the developers. The official explained that the homebuyers, unable to afford larger flats, often resort to this unauthorized solution.
These architects, in order to accommodate features like air conditioning, have been reported to compromise structural integrity by cutting into columns and beams. They often employ unskilled labourers from the local area, who execute tasks without fully grasping the potential repercussions of their work.
"Architects often carry out these projects worth lakhs, but they cut corners by hiring inexpensive labour instead of structural engineers," the official noted. "With false ceilings and other alterations, they reduce the life expectancy of a building from 100 years to just 20."
Notices under the MMC Act 354 (A) were issued on April 24, warning that any continuation of work would result in demolition by the BMC. Offenders may also face punishment under MMC Act 475-A, which could include imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to ?25,000 and an additional daily fine of up to ?500 for ongoing offenses.
The P north ward office had received complaints about noise pollution, leading to the discovery of these illicit alterations. These modifications included the creation of mezzanine floors, loft partitions, and even lift installations.
Kiran Dighavkar, Assistant Commissioner of P north ward, cautioned buyers against unauthorized changes and stressed the importance of adhering to building codes. "Without proper permissions, these modifications pose a fire hazard and compromise the structural stability of the building," Dighavkar stated.
In conclusion, while the trend of altering apartments may seem attractive to some homebuyers, it is essential to obtain necessary permissions and adhere to safety regulations. Unlawful modifications not only endanger individual properties but also compromise the safety of all residents. The BMC's action serves as a reminder that rules and regulations, especially those involving structural integrity and safety, are not to be taken lightly.
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