In a pre-monsoon structural safety assessment, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 96 cessed buildings across Mumbai as being in an “extremely dangerous” condition.
These buildings, primarily located in the Island City region, are classified as Category C-1 structures, meaning they are dilapidated and unfit for habitation.The annual survey, conducted by MHADA’s Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB), aims to assess the structural integrity of old tenanted buildings before the onset of the monsoon. The 96 buildings flagged this year are all cessed buildings—structures built before 1940 that fall under MHADA’s jurisdiction for repair and redevelopment.
Compared to previous years, the number of extremely dangerous buildings has seen a marginal increase. Last year, 95 buildings were listed as C-1, while 14 more were under technical scrutiny. In 2022, the number was 337, which included buildings classified by BMC as well.Officials noted that many of these unsafe buildings are located in south and central Mumbai areas such as Kalbadevi, Bhuleshwar, Girgaon, Grant Road, and Mazgaon. These neighbourhoods house some of the city’s oldest building stock, many of which are now structurally compromised due to age and lack of proper maintenance.
Residents of buildings deemed C-1 are expected to vacate the premises as a safety measure. MHADA issues eviction notices and may disconnect water and electricity supplies in case of non-compliance. The agency also facilitates redevelopment by granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to developers and landlords. In some cases, MHADA undertakes the redevelopment itself through its cluster redevelopment scheme or other housing programmes.However, challenges remain. In many instances, occupants are reluctant to vacate due to lack of alternate housing or trust issues with redevelopment promises. This has led to prolonged legal disputes and delays in securing these structures. Several tenant associations and housing rights groups have called for better coordination between MHADA, BMC, and developers to ensure safe and equitable rehabilitation for affected families.
MHADA officials reiterated that the monsoon poses heightened risks for structurally unsound buildings. They have urged residents and landlords to take immediate action to prevent any loss of life or property damage during the rainy season.Mumbai has over 14,000 cessed buildings, and while MHADA is responsible for repairs and redevelopment of many of them, experts argue that the pace of redevelopment needs to accelerate, especially in light of increasing extreme weather events.
As the city braces for another monsoon, the spotlight remains on the need for proactive measures, safer housing, and coordinated urban renewal strategies to protect its ageing built environment.
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