MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has appointed a committee of two architects to inspect a construction site on the Sion-Bandra Link Road in Dharavi. This comes in response to a petition from residents of a rehabilitation building, who argue that the construction of a free-sale building is compromising their structure.
“If the petitioner’s claim is that there is a risk to the structural integrity of the building, it is indeed a serious matter,” stated Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe on Tuesday. They commissioned Shetgiri & Associates and GM Arch Pvt Ltd to conduct necessary evaluations and report on any structural erosion and damage affecting the petitioner society’s premises and surrounding areas. The architects are also tasked with proposing any required remedial measures.
The petition was submitted by Kamraj Nagar CHSL, comprising 15 stories and 118 flats. The residents have urged the court for an immediate inspection and remediation regarding soil erosion, structural stability, and flooring concerns. Nearby, Labdhi Bliss Pvt Ltd and Sandeep Estate Pvt Ltd are engaged in constructing a 21-story free-sale building.
Repeated complaints were made by the society to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority regarding the issue. The judges acknowledged the society’s complaints from September-October 2024, highlighting severe soil erosion caused by nearby excavation. The flooring at the main entrance has reportedly sunk and become hollow, with a depth of over 40 inches. The edge of the flooring has dropped by an additional 1.6 feet. Ongoing soil erosion continues to threaten the foundation, leading to additional risks, compounded by persistent waterlogging that poses safety hazards and increases the potential for accidents.
Advocates for the society, A M Kulkarni and Vidnyan Daware, noted the lack of response from the SRA to their communications, as they also sought assistance from the senior inspector at the Dharavi police station. The judges took note of the society’s request for the SRA to appoint an expert from VJTI or an independent structural auditor.
Developers’ representatives contested the society’s claims. After considering the arguments and reviewing photographs, the judges stated: “At first glance, it cannot be determined that the petitioner has suffered no damage or that their claims lack merit.”
The judges ordered that the inspection and report be finalized within two weeks. The initial site visit is scheduled for October 1, with the presence of the executive engineer from the SRA and representatives from all involved parties. The experts are to submit their findings by October 7.
