Navi Mumbai: To proactively prevent potential incidents, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has initiated a comprehensive structural audit program for buildings exceeding 30 years in age. Skilled structural engineers, registered with the civic body, will conduct the assessments. The NMMC aims to ensure that all structural audit reports are submitted to the Civic Town Planning Department by March 31, 2024.
The annual survey for the year 2023-24 identified a total of 528 hazardous buildings within the city, necessitating immediate repair work. Owners of these structures have already been instructed to undertake the necessary construction measures in accordance with the assessment findings. Some of these buildings are in such a deteriorated state that they must be vacated promptly.
Comparatively, in the 2023-23 survey, 514 buildings were categorized as dangerous.
NMMC directs buildings to undergo structural audits
During the 2023-24 survey, of the total of 528 dangerous buildings, 61 of them were classified as highly perilous for habitation. It's noteworthy that most of these at-risk structures are CIDCO-constructed buildings. The NMMC is also compelling other buildings, aged over 30 years and currently inhabited, to undergo structural audits as per Section 265 (a) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act. The evaluation date will be based on when the occupation certificate, either fully or partially, was issued.
Failure to adhere to the structural audit requirements and meet the report submission deadline will result in a penalty of ₹25,000, which will be collected when annual property taxes are paid. The responsibility for conducting the structural audit lies with the building owners or occupants. The civic body has thoughtfully made available a list of authorized engineers on its official website to facilitate this process.
NMMC chief issues warning to residents
Civic Chief Rajesh Narvekar has issued a stern warning that inhabiting a building classified as dangerous poses a severe safety risk and appeals to residents to vacate such structures immediately. He emphasizes that, in the event of an incident, the occupants and owners bear full responsibility. Despite repeated warnings from the civic body, it's regrettable to note that people continue to reside in these perilous buildings, often leading to threats of water and electricity disconnections.
Extremely dangerous buildings:
A total of 61 buildings fall under C1 (dangerous) category
Ward-wise list of dangerous buildings:
Belapur: 7
Nerul: 11
Vashi: 13
Turbhe: 17
Koparkhairane: 8
Ghansoli: 1
Airoli: 03
Digha: 01
