MUMBAI: The BMC has raised significant concerns regarding procedural lapses in the management of dangerous (C-1 category) buildings, cautioning ward-level officials about the potential disciplinary and legal repercussions for failing to follow established regulations.
In a comprehensive circular dated April 2, additional municipal commissioner (city) Dr. Ashwini Joshi highlighted that ward offices are not complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set forth by previous municipal directives and Bombay High Court rulings pertaining to decrepit structures.
The SOP, initially established through a 2016 circular in response to a High Court petition, mandates that all actions taken against unauthorized constructions and hazardous buildings be documented in the Encroachment Eradication Monitoring and Management System (RETMS) — a centralized digital platform aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. A new circular was deemed necessary due to lapses observed in a dilapidated building case in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area. Joshi remarked, “We detected that the procedure was not followed, prompting the issuance of this circular to reiterate the guidelines,” in a statement to TOI.
Furthermore, the BMC pointed out inconsistencies in the application of Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, particularly Rule 33(7)(a), which outlines the redevelopment process for old, dilapidated, and tenant-occupied buildings. This rule specifies tenant eligibility and the allowable built-up area during reconstruction.
According to the circular, officers, developers, and architects have frequently disregarded guidelines from 2018 and 2020 concerning the verification of occupied areas and the documentation required for certifications. The recent circular warns that neglecting due diligence while processing area certificates and related documents could lead to financial losses for the municipal corporation.
“Failure to follow the prescribed procedures for processing redevelopment-related documents is causing revenue implications for the corporation,” the circular stated.
The civic body has instructed all assistant commissioners and designated officers across wards to adhere strictly to SOPs, ensuring that every step—from issuing notices to enforcing actions—is properly recorded on the RETMS platform.
Additionally, it has been emphasized that any deviation from the guidelines will result in accountability. “Officers, along with developers and architects implicated in such violations, will face suitable disciplinary and legal action,” the circular cautioned.
