Over 250 illegal structures found in Bharat Nagar; officials cite survey delays and monsoon restrictions; while it was initially assumed that the BMC was responsible for this illegally built structure, it was later revealed that the land belongs to the MHADA
A woman injured in the chawl collapse is carried out by locals and officials. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
The chawl collapse at Bharat Nagar in Bandra East on Friday has once again brought to light the ongoing issue of illegal structures being constructed across the city. While it was initially assumed that the BMC was responsible for this illegally built structure, it was later revealed that the land belongs to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
Mrudula Ande, Assistant Commissioner of the H East Ward, which has jurisdiction over the area, told mid-day, “This land belongs to MHADA. All the structures on it are slum structures. It is MHADA’s responsibility to determine the legality of these structures and take appropriate action, if necessary. In today’s case, despite the high population density, the BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade acted swiftly. As a result, all 15 people were rescued, and no fatalities were reported.”
The incident has not only raised serious safety concerns but has also exposed glaring lapses in monitoring and regulatory action by housing authorities over the past several years.
MHADA speaks
Officials from MHADA stated that the affected individuals were allotted 10x16-foot plots when the land reclamation process began in Bandra between 1975 and 1977.
“These slum dwellers were displaced from other areas and given plots here by the government. They were only permitted to construct ground-floor structures. Over the years, there have been no major incidents with significant casualties, which may be why officials did not take action. However, the majority of families have constructed illegal extensions above their ground floors,” said a MHADA official.
Milind Borrikar, chief officer of the Mumbai Board of MHADA, told mid-day, “Surveys of such houses have been ongoing since we were given full housing authority, about four to five years ago. The city is vast, and illegal structures are widespread. We also face a shortage of manpower, which delays the surveying process. Additionally, we are prohibited from carrying out evacuations during the monsoon season, from June to September. However, following this incident, we have accelerated the survey process. Notices will soon be issued to those who have constructed such illegal structures. Based on Friday’s inspection, we found approximately 250 such structures in Bharat Nagar.”
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