21 August,2026 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MMRDA fines demolition contractor Rs 25 lakh after crane accident at unsafe building. Representational Pic
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has imposed a Rs 25 lakh penalty on the contractor responsible for demolishing an unsafe building following a crane accident, while directing the agency to provide financial assistance for the treatment of those injured and compensate for damaged hutments and vehicles.
The building involved in the incident was constructed in 2005 by HDIL (Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd.) under a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme.
The RCC residential structure comprised a ground floor and 16 upper floors (G plus16), with six wings and around 500 residential tenements.
However, the project remained incomplete and the building was never occupied. Following the developer's financial distress and bankruptcy, the SRA handed over the incomplete structure to MMRDA on an "as-is-where-is" basis.
Considering the building's age, incomplete status and structural condition, MMRDA conducted a structural audit in 2021.
The audit concluded that the building was not suitable for habitation and recommended necessary action from a public safety perspective.
Based on the findings, MMRDA began the administrative and technical process to demolish the unsafe structure.
MMRDA subsequently floated a tender and awarded the demolition work to Total Construction Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
According to MMRDA, the structure was required to be demolished manually.
The crane accident occurred during the demolition work, following which the authority initiated steps to assist those affected by the incident.
MMRDA said medical treatment of those injured has been given the highest priority.
The contractor has also been directed to provide the necessary financial compensation towards medical treatment and injuries, as well as bear the cost of repairing or compensating for hutments and vehicles damaged in the incident.
The authority has initiated action against the contractor under applicable contractual provisions and safety requirements.
A Rs 25 lakh penalty has been imposed on the contractor, while further action will be taken, if required, based on the findings of the investigation by the concerned authorities.
MMRDA said it would continue to prioritise public safety, provide appropriate assistance and compensation to those affected and fix accountability for any lapses during the demolition work.
