Nalasopara building collapses; no casualties yet

On Wednesday, September 2, a redeveloped residential building collapsed in Nalasopara, Mumbai, early morning.

Moreover, five families escaped amidst the dilapidated structure. No casualties have been reported as of now.

Even though the building was renovated in 2009, two years back it was found to be badly damaged leading to the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) declaring it to be dangerous. The civic body had earlier sent notices to the families living there regarding the demolition of the building. This resulted in 15 families leaving the building and five families continuing their stay as they could not afford to go elsewhere.

This comes nine days after a five-storey building Tarique Gardens in Mahad, Raigad district, collapsed on August 24 which killed 16 people, injuring nine.

While several people have died due to the collapsible, deformed structures of the buildings in the city and the state, the Maharashtra State Government had earlier sent a proposal to fast-track and streamline the redevelopment of dilapidated buildings in Mumbai.

With several residents depend on these buildings for shelter, the fast-tracking of redevelopment projects can be touted to provide some relief to them. Providing clarity on the 3-year deadline period for completion, it is said that the clock will start ticking the moment MHADA obtains the commencement certificate.