300 families living on the edge in Ulhasnagar

The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC), which has taken extensive steps to ensure old buildings do not collapse during the monsoon, still has its work cut out. Though the civic body has vacated highly dilapidated buildings and initiated their demolition, about 300 families living in 20 buildings are yet to be vacated.

According to civic officials, these structures/ buildings are to be repaired after their residents are evacuated. Aziz Sheikh, the UMC chief, has directed officials to cut off the power and water supply to such buildings.

The area under the UMC's jurisdiction has witnessed terrible building collapses. In 2022, three such incidents were witnessed during the monsoon. To avert tragedy, public meetings were arranged in April 2023 with residents and local representatives and they were counselled by UMC officials about building collapses.

After this, 1,300 buildings were served notices and residents were asked to submit structural audits. However, only 271 buildings submitted reports and they were classified into three categories. Five buildings were marked as highly dangerous and risky to live while the residents of 45 were asked to vacate them and get them repaired.

"Despite serving repeated notices, several residents haven't left their building premises. On instructions of the UMC commissioner, we have decided to cut the light and water of these buildings" said Ganesh Shimpi, nodal officer, UMC. "The residents are taking the biggest risk by living in these structures and we want to vacate them as soon as possible" he added.

Several buildings were served notices on Friday for occupants to vacate them as soon as possible. As per UMC officials, several families are living in danger. "We are racing against time. The residents were told several times but they are not paying any attention for various reasons. Some of them can't afford alternative accommodation while others are just adamant," said Additional Commissioner Jamir Lengrekar.

"As they are not abiding by our instructions, we have no choice left but to cut their electricity," he added. Sheikh told mid-day, "Our aim is to minimise casualties this monsoon. The most dangerous buildings have been evacuated and demolished while those that need to be evacuated and repaired will face action. Daily monitoring of these buildings is being done to avoid mishaps."