30 May,2026 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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With the monsoon season approaching, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 82 cessed buildings in Mumbai's island city area as highly dangerous and initiated the process of evacuating residents and occupants from these structures.
The assessment was carried out as part of MHADA's annual pre-monsoon structural survey conducted by its Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board. Officials said the exercise is aimed at preventing accidents caused by building collapses during heavy rainfall, which poses a significant risk to ageing structures across the city.
According to MHADA, the list of highly dangerous buildings includes 43 structures that had already been categorised as unsafe during last year's survey. The remaining buildings have been added following fresh inspections conducted ahead of the monsoon.
The authority said these buildings are in a severely dilapidated condition and pose a potential threat to the lives of residents and passersby if not vacated in time.
Mumbai has a large number of ageing cessed buildings, particularly in the island city area, many of which require extensive repairs or redevelopment. Authorities conduct structural assessments every year before the onset of the monsoon to identify buildings that may be at risk of collapse.
The 82 buildings identified by MHADA currently house 2,736 occupants. Of these, 2,256 are residential tenants and residents, while 480 are occupants of non-residential premises.
Officials said the evacuation exercise is being carried out in phases, with notices being served to residents and tenants residing in the affected structures.
As part of the ongoing drive, MHADA has already issued notices to 176 residential occupants directing them to vacate their premises immediately.
According to the authority, 29 tenants have already shifted to MHADA-operated transit camps, while 36 others have made their own alternative accommodation arrangements.
The process of issuing notices to the remaining occupants is continuing, and officials are working to ensure that residents move out before the monsoon intensifies.
MHADA said arrangements will need to be made for approximately 2,102 occupants in transit camps. The Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board has begun the necessary administrative and logistical processes to accommodate eligible residents.
The housing authority has urged residents living in the identified buildings to cooperate with officials during the evacuation process and comply with safety directives issued by the administration.
It warned that continued occupation of structurally weak buildings could increase the risk of accidents, injuries and loss of life during periods of heavy rainfall.
MHADA also appealed to citizens to promptly report any signs of structural distress in old buildings, including cracks, tilting walls, water seepage or partial collapses, so that timely action can be taken.
To assist residents and respond to emergencies, MHADA has asked citizens to contact the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board's control room in case of any structural concerns or accidents involving old buildings.
Residents can reach the control room on 23536945, 23517423 or the mobile helpline number 9321637699. Citizens can also contact the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's control room for immediate assistance.
