The under-construction houses being built by MHADA for the Taliye village landslide-hit families in Mahad have experienced foundation collapse and cracks, causing distress among locals. The landslide in July 2021 claimed 87 lives, leaving 41 survivors. The victims, currently residing in container homes, have faced delays in receiving the promised houses. MHADA-Konkan division is responsible for constructing the 271 houses, and so far, only 40 have been completed. Additional infrastructure works are also underway. Concerns have been raised regarding the poor quality of construction and the need for rectification by MHADA.
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The aftermath of the devastating landslide that struck Taliye village in Mahad on July 22, 2021, continues to haunt the survivors. The tragedy claimed the lives of 87 people, leaving just 41 fortunate enough to escape. Now, as the survivors eagerly await their new homes, cracks have started to appear in the under-construction houses, raising concerns about the safety and quality of the structures.
The houses, being built by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), are intended for the families affected by the landslide. These families have been residing in temporary container homes since the disaster, eagerly anticipating the completion of their new houses. However, repeated deadlines for the handover of the houses have been missed, adding to the frustration and anxiety of the beneficiaries.
According to the government's plan, each of the 271 beneficiaries will be allocated over 3,000 square feet of land, with each family receiving a two-bedroom house measuring about 630 square feet. The MHADA-Konkan division has been entrusted with the construction of these houses, with a total estimated cost of Rs 66 crore. Regrettably, progress has been slow, and only around 40 houses have been completed thus far.
In addition to the housing units, other essential infrastructure works, including roads, gutters, power supply, schools, anganwadis, community halls, bazaar peths, crematoriums, public toilets, sewage treatment plants, gram panchayat offices, ST bus stands, and gymnasiums, have been approved and are currently underway. These developments aim to provide a comprehensive and self-sufficient environment for the affected families to rebuild their lives.
However, the recent incidents of foundation collapse and cracks in the houses have raised serious concerns among the beneficiaries. Responding to the concerns, MHADA issued a media release stating that construction work on the houses commenced in November 2022. The houses will only be handed over to the beneficiaries once they obtain a structural stability report from IIT-Mumbai, ensuring the safety and stability of the structures. Mayur Kapare, Deputy Engineer of MHADA-Konkan division, acknowledged the issues faced during construction, stating, "Boulder and earth filling were done to level the plot for house construction, but unfortunately, it collapsed. The cracks in the other houses will also be rectified. However, the works remain incomplete at this stage."
The beneficiaries, while hopeful for the completion of their long-awaited homes, urge MHADA to address the concerns promptly and ensure that the necessary repairs and reinforcements are carried out effectively. The safety and well-being of the future residents must be prioritized, and the houses should be built to withstand any potential threats and provide a secure and stable living environment.
As the reconstruction efforts continue, it is essential for MHADA and the authorities involved to expedite the construction process, maintain high-quality standards, and ensure transparency in addressing the concerns of the beneficiaries. The Taliye landslide survivors have already endured unimaginable hardships, and it is crucial that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives in safe and comfortable homes.
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