The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared 188 buildings in Mumbai as extremely hazardous and at high risk of collapse. Classified as C1 structures, these buildings were found to be in severe disrepair posing serious safety issues. While the BMC has managed to evacuate 84 buildings so far, residents of 63 buildings have challenged the orders in court. Over the past two years, 493 additional buildings were classified as C1, of which 289 have been demolished. The BMC has ordered the immediate evacuation of all 188 buildings and published the list on their website. BMC is urging residents to evacuate these buildings before the monsoon season arrives.
The BMC has identified 188 buildings in Mumbai that are in extremely poor condition and at high risk of collapse. These buildings, rated C1, pose serious safety hazards. The BMC has published the full list of affected buildings on their website and ordered the immediate evacuation of all of them.
Of the 188 buildings, 27 are located in the city of Mumbai, 114 are in western suburbs, and 47 are in eastern suburbs. However, residents of 63 buildings in the city have challenged their eviction orders through legal appeals.
While the BMC has managed to evacuate 84 of the 188 dangerous buildings so far, they have issued warning notices to 41 structures while the remaining 63 buildings have challenged the eviction orders. These notices make it clear that staying in these unsafe buildings could endanger lives.
Over the past two years, the BMC has classified 493 additional buildings as C1 and at high risk of collapse. So far, 289 of these structures have been demolished. The area with the most affected buildings is P North ward, covering Malad East and West. In contrast, the C ward around Marine Drive only has one such building.
The BMC is urging residents still living in the 188 hazardous buildings to leave immediately, before monsoon season arrives. Residents would be responsible for any injuries or losses if an accident occurs since the BMC would no longer be liable.
Residents are also advised to look out for signs that their building may be unstable, such as cracks in walls or foundations. If they notice these issues, they should contact the BMC helpline, evacuate, notify neighbours, and install temporary supports after consulting an engineer.
The 188 buildings have been declared 'very dangerous and dilapidated' under section 354 of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. As per the Act, the owner and occupier of every private building, existing and in use for more than 30 years should carry out a structural audit of their buildings and submit structural stability certificate to the civic body within 30 days. Upon receiving a notice from the BMC, building owners are required to commission an audit report by an engineer registered with the BMC. Failure to comply will result in action being taken against both the owners and residents of the building.
With monsoon season fast approaching, the risks associated with staying in dilapidated buildings will only increase. Heavy rains could further weaken unstable structures. While some residents are fighting evacuation through legal means, the BMC warns they will not be responsible for any accidents. It is imperative that building owners conduct required structural audits and take necessary steps to avoid potential disasters. The safety of residents should be the top priority during this hazardous situation.
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