Residents of Rajmala Premises Cooperative Society on Nepean Sea Road have expressed grave concerns over ongoing construction at the adjacent Chitrakoot Bungalow, the official residence of a senior Maharashtra government official.
The construction activities have reportedly compromised a shared retaining wall, raising fears of potential collapse during the impending monsoon season. The Rajmala building, a nine-storey structure dating back to the 1960s, is situated at the base of Malabar Hill and shares a rubble masonry retaining wall with the bungalow. Residents allege that recent excavation and construction work at the bungalow have partially damaged the top of this wall, leaving the lower sections exposed and vulnerable. They fear that heavy rains could lead to a collapse, endangering both life and property.
In a letter dated April 8 to the Public Works Department (PWD), society members highlighted the risks posed by the compromised wall. They noted that the wall’s thickness decreases as it ascends, making it susceptible to pressure from accumulated stormwater during monsoons. The residents have requested detailed plans and schedules from the PWD to address and mitigate these risks before the monsoon intensifies. One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “Our concern is that in heavy rain, as expected during monsoon, the upper part of the remaining wall can collapse under the pressure of accumulated stormwater.
Another resident highlighted the disturbances caused by the construction, mentioning that the noise from lifting large stones and debris has made it difficult for lower-floor residents to open their windows. The April complaint letter also pointed out that the hillock behind the building had remained untouched for over 60 years, and recent excavations have loosened the soil and uprooted trees, further destabilizing the area. In response, PWD officials have stated that they are constructing a 35-foot retaining which they claim will remain structurally … However, residents continue to demand greater transparency and a clear schedule for the repair work to safeguard their buildings. Attempts to reach the official’s team for comments were unsuccessful.
The situation underscores the need for careful urban planning and consideration of environmental impacts, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. As Mumbai braces for the monsoon, residents of Rajmala Premises … hope for prompt and effective action to ensure their safety.
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