NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has identified 500 buildings as dangerous, following a comprehensive department-wise survey of existing structures within its jurisdiction. These buildings fall under the classification outlined in Section 264 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act.
The NMMC has issued notices to the relevant cooperative housing societies, instructing them to vacate the buildings classified as C-1, in accordance with a directive from the high court. NMMC emphasizes that these structures are deemed unsafe for human habitation in their current state.
In adherence to Section 265 (A) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, housing societies must conduct a structural audit for buildings older than 30 years that are currently in use. This audit must be performed by a structural engineer registered with the civic body’s panel.
According to the Cooperative Housing Societies Act of 1968, a structural audit is mandatory at least once every five years for buildings with a life expectancy between 15 and 30 years. For buildings with a life expectancy exceeding 30 years, as per item 76 (a) (ii) of the 1968 Act, the audit should occur at least once every three years.
The NMMC has observed that during recent renovation works, including floor replacements and repairs to internal RCC columns and beams, there have been instances where slabs collapsed onto lower floors.
Taking into consideration the Integrated Development Control and Promotion Rules governing NMMC and the Maharashtra Regional Planning and Town Planning Act, 1966, the NMMC stated that any repairs or strengthening works carried out inside or outside a building require prior permission from the NMMC through a registered structural engineer, who must supervise the work.
In cases where internal alterations do not require permission under existing regulations, these changes must still be overseen by a registered structural engineer. “It is crucial to inform the society, and the respective housing society must ensure that such work is conducted under the supervision of a certified structural engineer. Should any accidents occur as a result of this work in the future, the concerned flat holder, along with the society’s chairman or secretary, will be held accountable,” the NMMC stated. They urged citizens, cooperative housing societies, and office bearers to heed past unfortunate incidents and proactively take necessary actions and precautions.
