The Mumbai Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has released its annual list of 20 cessed buildings deemed highly dangerous and uninhabitable.
Concentrated predominantly in Girgaum, these buildings have been flagged by the Mumbai Buildings Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) following a thorough pre-monsoon survey. Mhada has issued an urgent appeal to tenants and residents of these structures to adhere to safety protocols and cooperate with evacuation procedures. The board has emphasised the importance of vacating these premises to prevent potential loss of life and property. Residents are encouraged to report any imminent danger or accidents to the 24/7 control room at Tardeo through the following contact numbers: 022-2353 6945, 022-2351 7423, and 93216 37699.
The list of hazardous buildings includes several high-risk structures that were also marked dangerous last year. Notable mentions are Bldg No. 4-4A, Navroji Hill Road; Bldg No. 1, Jolly Chambers; Bldg No. 57, Nizam Street; Bldg No. 67, Masjid Street; Bldg Nos. 52-58, Babu Genu Road; Bldg No. 7, Khanderao Wadi/204-208, Kalbadevi Road; Bldg Nos. 52-52A, 2nd Deccan Cross Road; and Bldg Nos. 125-127A, Jamna Nivas, Khadilkar Road, Girgaum.
Additional structures listed include Bldg No. 314B, Brahmand Society, VP Road, Girgaum; Bldg Nos. 418-426, SVP Road; Bldg Nos. 124-134A, Golecha House; Bldg Nos. 83-87, Rawate Building, Girgaum; and Bldg Nos. 213-215, DB Marg. These buildings collectively house 711 residents, comprising 494 residential and 217 non-residential occupants. To date, 36 tenants have independently secured alternative accommodation, while 46 residents have been relocated to transit camps arranged by the board. Eviction notices have been issued to the remaining occupants, with plans underway to relocate 412 individuals to transit camps.
The MBRRB’s proactive measures are aimed at mitigating the risks associated with the upcoming monsoon season. By identifying and addressing the vulnerabilities of these aging structures, the board seeks to safeguard the well-being of Mumbai’s residents. The emphasis on prompt evacuation and relocation highlights the board’s commitment to preemptive action in the face of potential natural hazards. This initiative underscores the critical need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of urban infrastructure, particularly in a city as densely populated and vulnerable to seasonal weather extremes as Mumbai. The board’s efforts are a reminder of the ongoing challenges in urban planning and the necessity for vigilant enforcement of safety regulations.
