The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 82 cessed buildings in Mumbai’s island city area as “highly dangerous” during its annual pre-monsoon structural survey and has begun evacuating residents from these structures to avert potential mishaps during the monsoon season.
In a statement issued on Friday, MHADA said the survey was conducted by its Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board. Of the 82 buildings declared unsafe, 43 had already been classified as highly dangerous in the previous year.
According to the authority, the identified buildings are occupied by 2,736 people, including 2,256 residential occupants and 480 non-residential tenants and residents.
As part of the evacuation drive, notices have been issued to 176 residential occupants directing them to vacate the premises immediately. Of these, 29 tenants have already shifted to MHADA transit camps, while 36 families have arranged alternative accommodation on their own.
The authority said eviction notices are being served to the remaining occupants, and the process of vacating the buildings is underway. MHADA estimates that accommodation arrangements may be required for around 2,102 occupants in transit camps and has initiated the necessary procedures to facilitate their relocation.
Appealing for public cooperation, MHADA urged residents living in the identified structures to comply with evacuation notices and follow safety guidelines issued by officials. The authority stressed that timely evacuation is crucial to prevent loss of life and property during the monsoon.
Residents have also been advised to immediately report any signs of structural distress, cracks, partial collapses or other safety concerns in old buildings.
For assistance, citizens can contact the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board’s control room on 23536945, 23517423, or the mobile helpline number 9321637699. Complaints can also be reported to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) control room.
The annual pre-monsoon survey is conducted to identify unsafe structures across Mumbai, where ageing cessed buildings often pose a significant risk during heavy rainfall.
