Building collapse in Mumbai raises question
Shortage of residential space in Mumbai has compelled people to dwell in dangerous dilapidated buildings, often resulting in death due to collapse. The recent breakdown of a Dahisar building in Mumbai is an addition to the list of building disasters that took place in the last few months.
A renowned residential building in Dahisar, named as Piyush Co-operative Housing Society, close to Yashwant Tawde Marg, collapsed on Saturday. The four-storey building has been sealed under section 354 MRTP Act.
The recent collapse of the Piyush Co-operative Housing Society is an addition to the number of breakdown of buildings in Mumbai in the last 10 days. A background survey of the building shows that on Feb 16, 2010, it was declared as a C-3 category building(most dangerous) by the BMC and the residents were evicted from there. The building area was barricaded with tin sheets closing all kinds of commercial activities inside the property. However a tea stall, a juice, and few vegetable and fruit vendors used to operate there illegally.
Reason for the collapse
The building was constructed almost 30 years ago (during 1980-82) for residential purpose. However, it did get into redevelopment since the conveyance deed was left incomplete by the particular builder.
Originally designed for residential purpose, the building was actually used for diamond cutting. Heavy machineries increased the load of the building almost 25-30 times. Lack of repair since its formation led to the collapse of the building and death of seven people.
Who is responsible?
According to BMC reports, Piyush Co-operative Housing Society has not been repaired for 31 years. Despite of two reminders from the civic administration and the municipal corporation, the developers of the building did not pay heed to it.
The building was categorized as C-III previously, which clearly stated the urgency of repairs and not demolition. Buildings can only be demolished if they fall under C-I category. In 2006-07, the building developed cracks, which called for immediate redevelopment. However, the developer overlooked it completely.
Owing to the dispute between the tenants and the builder, the redevelopment of the building was due. Hence, the builder can be indirectly blamed for the disaster that took lives of innocent people.
Collapsing of buildings is not new thing in Mumbai. Increasing number of building collapse in the last few months has raised questions regarding the implementation of regulation imposed by BMC. Redevelopment of dilapidated buildings in Mumbai is a mandate and must be enforced by the BMC with stringent rules and norms to curb the rise in such disasters.
