Mumbai: After building collapse in Malad, the demolitions start

Many structures in the slum area of Malvani have levels stacked one upon another without beam support. Pics/Anurag Ahire

After the collapse of a three-level structure in Malad's Malvani area that killed 12 and injured seven on Wednesday night, authorities woke up to take action against irregularities. With residents of the slum haphazardly stacking up floor after floor without beam support, the Suburban Collector's office and the BMC have together decided to conduct a survey and crack the whip. Demolition of a structure near the collapsed one was also started on Friday.

Local police at the site of the collapse on Friday

In Wednesday's mishap, the structure made of only bricks walls had tilted and collapsed on a neighbouring structure. Rescue operations went on throughout the night and one person who was reported missing was found under the debris on Thursday evening. The person was reported dead on arrival at the hospital.

A civic official said, "The neighbouring structure at the collapse site was also noticed to be in dilapidated condition so we decided to demolish it. The residents were asked to vacate."

The civic body will also appoint a team of structural auditors who will conduct the survey. Officials from both BMC and the Collector's office will be present with the team during the survey. The machinery and labour in case of demolition will be provided by the civic body.

Malvani is a high-density slum where illegal construction is quite common and many slum structures have four levels. The joint survey is likely to target such houses. There is no provision to allow structures higher than 14 feet or ground plus mezzanine floor, sources said. A civic source said, "At first, we will target structures that are higher than ground-plus-two. Gradually, ground-plus-two structures will be checked. A report will be sent to the civic commissioner for requisite action."

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 4) Bharat Marathe said, "BMC and Collector's office together conducted a visual survey of Malvani on Friday."

Meanwhile, BMC's D ward office has also requested owners/occupiers of non-cessed private buildings to get their old buildings structurally audited. A list of structural auditors is available on the BMC's official website. The civic body has also appealed to citizens to inform them in case of any threat noticed to the structure.

14 feet
Max. permitted height for slum structures