17 affected families blame the builder and MHADA after building collapse shatters their world; housing board assures shifting them to transit location
Collapsed structure of the building in Chira Bazar area. PICS/ASHISH RAJE
Not just the houses, but the lives of 17 families from the Chira Bazar area of South Mumbai came crashing down on late Sunday evening when their homes suddenly collapsed, leaving them distressed.
Even after 24 hours, on Monday, its residents stood by the rubble — helpless, anxious, and devastated at the thought of losing their homes forever. While authorities scrambled to clear the debris and make space for temporary relief, the displaced families were left grappling with both practical and emotional uncertainties.
While the collapse miraculously did not result in any fatalities, three residents sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby clinic, where they were treated. But the relief of being alive was quickly overshadowed by the shock of displacement and the looming question of accountability.
“These are not just four walls. This home was our entire life’s eyewitness. It has seen all happy and difficult moments and always provided a roof over our heads. We had conducted repairs and kept the building in good condition. We never, even in our dreams, thought that we would lose our homes like this,” said 70-year-old Damayanti Rathod, who sustained hairline cracks to her right hand and to one of her fingers.
Residents blame developer
Many residents unanimously placed the blame on the ongoing redevelopment project at the adjoining plot. “The constant drilling and excavation caused heavy vibrations to our structure. We had complained several times, but no one paid attention,” said Ashok More, a resident who lived on the second floor of the now-collapsed building. “This was not an accident; it was waiting to happen.”
Residents allege that the construction machinery operated at odd hours, worsening the condition of the decades-old structure. “Our walls had started developing cracks in the past few months. We were scared, but the authorities did not take our concerns seriously,” said Yasmina Bhadricha, another resident of the building.
MHADA blamed
While the residents accused the builder, the Pagadi Ekta Sangh, a tenants’ rights group, insisted that the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) was primarily responsible. According to them, the building fell due to the government body’s negligence in inspecting and maintaining old structures under its jurisdiction.
“When we spoke to the residents, we learnt that MHADA had put up a 79(A) notice on May 30, 2025. However, according to the residents, no structural audit was conducted before giving this notice. Also, considering an ongoing court case, this notice given by MHADA stands null and void,” said Mukesh Shah, president of Pagadi Ekta Sangh.
Emotional aftermath
“I was born in this house. From studies to celebrating festivals, we have experienced all bad-good situations. Now, all I see is rubble,” said Aniket Ashok More, holding back tears as he watched civic workers clear the debris. PWD staff have been helping residents recover valuables from the wreckage. However, the majority of household things and appliances are yet to be removed.
“The way the building has collapsed, we first need to secure our way, and only then can we go ahead and take things out. We are doing everything on a war footing, and today, we will put up ladders so that if possible, even the homeowners can be taken inside with full safety to get their belongings out,” said one of the PWD staff.
Uncertain future
“We approached the MHADA office, where they assured us that they would shift us to a nearby transit location. But what will happen to us and our house is a big question now,” said another resident, Neeta Nitin Malvankar. While MHADA’s promise of shelter offers short-term relief, questions about the long-term future of the residents remain unanswered. Will the families be rehabilitated in the same area? Will they be compensated by the builder accused of triggering the collapse?
The dispute
While some residents say that they have spoken to a developer and paperwork is underway with them having submitted it with 51 per cent consent, others say that they don't even know on which papers they have signed. “We have already started the process and submitted content letters from over 51 per cent of landlords. It’s just because of the court case that MHADA is facing now, the process has halted. It will start soon,” said Ashok More, father of Aniket More.
On the other hand, Rathod mentioned, “They did explain to us a few things. But exactly what is going on I don't have much idea. I just know that this house should not go to anyone, and I should not be made to stay anywhere else. This is my house, and I will not let it go anywhere.” As the officials demolish all dangerous parts of the building, residents are left stranded, thinking, where should they go and wait till MHADA actually shifts them to a transit location.
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