Navi Mumbai: ‘Wall you broke was load-bearing,’ officials say

Representation pic/istock

Thousands of residents could be living in structurally unsafe buildings this monsoon, as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) steps up enforcement against ageing structures that have not undergone mandatory audits.

In one of its strongest pre-monsoon drives yet, the civic body has begun ward-wise surveys to identify dangerous buildings. Officials said structures found unsafe will be classified under Section 264 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, with those in the highest-risk C-1 category facing immediate evacuation in line with High Court directives.

Increase in damage linked to renovation raises alarm

A recent spike in slab collapse incidents during flat renovations has intensified concern. Officials say many cases are linked to residents unknowingly damaging key structural components.

"People think changing tiles or breaking a wall is harmless. But if you touch a load-bearing beam or column, the entire slab can weaken. One wrong cut and it can collapse," said a senior NMMC-empanelled structural engineer.

Mandatory audits often ignored

Despite clear legal provisions, compliance remains low, particularly due to cost concerns. A structural engineer from Vashi, requesting anonymity, said, "Most societies ignore audits because of cost. But one accident can cost lives. Prevention is always cheaper than disaster."

Law and audit rules at a glance

Under Section 265(A):
>>All buildings above 30 years must undergo a structural audit within one year
>>Audits must be conducted by NMMC-registered structural engineers

As per Model Bye-law 76(A), Co-operative Housing Act, 1968:
>>Buildings aged 15-30 years: Audit every five years
>>Buildings above 30 years: Audit every three years

Liability warning from civic body

NMMC has made it clear that accountability will extend beyond individual flat owners. "If any mishap occurs due to unauthorised or unsafe work, the flat owner as well as the society chairman and secretary will be held liable," a senior civic official said.

Residents report close calls

"In our building, one flat owner removed part of a wall for a bigger hall. Within days, cracks appeared in the ceiling below. We got scared," said Nancy Coelho, a resident of Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

What is C-1 category?

>>Extremely dangerous buildings
>>Immediate evacuation required
>>Notices issued under Bombay High Court directives
>>High risk of collapse at any time

What residents must do

>>Conduct a structural audit if the building is over 30 years old
>>Hire only NMMC-registered structural engineers
>>Take prior permissions before structural work
>>Inform the housing society before renovations
>>Do not tamper with beams or columns

Repairs and renovations under scrutiny

Civic officials have warned that even internal modifications can pose risks if not supervised.
Under UDCPR norms and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966:
>>Structural repairs or strengthening may require prior civic approval
>>Work must be supervised by a registered structural engineer
>>Even minor internal changes need expert oversight
>>Housing societies must be informed before work begins