Mumbai: MHADA Flags 82 Highly Dangerous Cessed Buildings, Initiates Large-Scale Evacuation Drive Ahead of Monsoon

The action follows MHADA’s annual pre-monsoon structural assessment conducted through its Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board. Officials stated that the exercise is intended to prevent potential building collapse incidents during heavy rainfall, which poses a severe threat to ageing infrastructure across the city.

As part of the annual inspection drive, MHADA confirmed that the list of 82 highly dangerous buildings includes 43 structures that were already classified as unsafe in the previous year’s survey. The remaining buildings have been newly added after fresh inspections conducted ahead of the monsoon season. Authorities said these buildings are in an extremely dilapidated condition and pose a direct risk to the lives of residents as well as pedestrians if not vacated immediately.

Mumbai continues to host a large number of ageing cessed buildings, particularly in the island city region, many of which require urgent structural repair or redevelopment. To mitigate disaster risks, authorities conduct mandatory annual structural evaluations before the onset of the monsoon to identify buildings at risk of collapse.

According to MHADA, the 82 identified buildings currently accommodate 2,736 occupants. This includes 2,256 residential tenants and residents, along with 480 occupants of non-residential premises. Officials confirmed that the evacuation process is being implemented in phases, with formal notices being served to all affected residents and tenants.

As part of the ongoing operation, MHADA has already issued evacuation notices to 176 residential occupants, directing them to vacate their premises immediately in the interest of safety.

Transit accommodation arrangements are also being activated. MHADA stated that 29 tenants have already been shifted to government-operated transit camps, while 36 occupants have independently arranged alternative housing. The authority added that notices for the remaining occupants are being processed and will continue to be issued to ensure complete evacuation before the monsoon intensifies.

MHADA further informed that arrangements will be required for approximately 2,102 occupants in transit shelters. The Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board has initiated administrative and logistical measures to accommodate eligible displaced residents.

The housing authority has urged residents of the identified buildings to fully cooperate with the evacuation process and strictly adhere to safety instructions issued by the administration. It warned that continued occupation of structurally weakened buildings could significantly increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities during periods of heavy rainfall.

MHADA also appealed to the public to immediately report any signs of structural distress in old buildings, including cracks, tilting walls, water seepage, or partial structural failure, so that timely preventive action can be taken.

For emergency assistance and structural concerns, MHADA has activated control room helplines under the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board. Residents may contact 23536945, 23517423, or the mobile helpline 9321637699. Citizens may also reach the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation control room for urgent support.

The large-scale evacuation drive underscores the growing structural risk posed by ageing buildings in Mumbai’s island city and highlights the urgent need for continuous monitoring and preventive action ahead of extreme monsoon conditions.