The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation has conducted a pre-monsoon survey that uncovered 283 hazardous buildings throughout the city.
Out of these, six have been labeled as extremely dangerous and uninhabitable, leading to prompt evacuation efforts by civic authorities to avert any disasters during the monsoon season.
The survey results are alarming: 34 buildings are earmarked for evacuation and significant repairs, while 227 require urgent attention, leaving only 16 buildings categorized as needing minor repairs.
Adding to the concern, 144 buildings lack structural audit reports, which hampers the officials’ understanding of the safety and stability of numerous aging structures.
A detailed breakdown by wards illustrates the scale of the issue. Ward Committee No. 2 leads with 99 dangerous buildings, followed by 84 in Ward Committee No. 1, 63 in Ward Committee No. 3, and 37 in Ward Committee No. 4.
This dilemma isn’t new for Ulhasnagar, which has been facing issues with dilapidated buildings, stalled redevelopment initiatives, and poor maintenance. The onset of each monsoon season revives fears of potential collapses, particularly in densely populated areas where residents often remain in unsafe buildings due to financial constraints and lack of alternative housing.
As the rainy season nears, authorities are intensifying their precautionary actions.
Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale stated that the administration has completed the necessary surveys and begun sending notices to occupants of at-risk buildings. “Public safety is our utmost priority. Surveys have been finalized, and we are issuing notices to residents of highly dangerous structures. We will also enforce strict measures against buildings that have not conducted structural audits. Citizens must cooperate and prioritize their safety during the monsoon,” she emphasized.
The civic body is urging residents of hazardous structures to comply promptly with evacuation notices.
