On the evening of August 17, 2025, a protective retaining wall built by the MMRDA in the Ashok Nagar area near Chembur Washinaka collapsed during heavy rains, damaging at least seven slum houses situated at the foot of the hill.
The incident took place around 7 PM and, fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, as residents managed to flee in time. Fire brigade personnel and municipal authorities responded quickly, clearing the debris and relocating the affected families to temporary shelters in the nearby Marvali Charch area.
This collapse once again highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements in hilly regions of Mumbai during the monsoon. Notably, the same area had witnessed a deadly landslide in 2021 that claimed 19 lives, yet many residents continue to live in precarious conditions without proper rehabilitation.
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While swift action averted a tragedy this time, the recurring nature of such incidents highlights the urgent need for stronger infrastructure, regular safety audits, and comprehensive relocation efforts to ensure the safety of residents in high-risk zones.