Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has declared 500 buildings as dangerous under Section 264 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, following a department-wise survey of existing structures within its jurisdiction. The civic body issued notices to the respective cooperative housing societies to vacate these C-1 category buildings, in compliance with a high court order.
Structural Audit Requirements
According to NMMC, over 500 structures were deemed unsafe for human habitation in their current condition. Under Section 265 (A) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, housing societies must obtain a structural audit for buildings more than 30 years old. The audit must be conducted by a structural engineer registered with the civic body panel. As per the Cooperative Housing Societies Act, 1968, a structural audit is mandatory at least once every five years if the building's life expectancy is between 15 and 30 years. For buildings with a life expectancy exceeding 30 years, item 76 (a) (ii) of the same Act requires an audit at least once every three years.
Recent Incidents and Safety Measures
NMMC noted that in the recent past, internal renovation works—including flooring replacement and repairs to RCC columns and beams—have led to slab collapses on lower floors. Considering the provisions of the Integrated Development Control and Promotion Rules applicable to NMMC and the Maharashtra Regional Planning and Town Planning Act, 1966, the civic body emphasized that any repair or strengthening work inside or outside a building requires permission from NMMC. Such work must be carried out by a structural engineer registered with the civic body and under their supervision.
For internal alterations where permission is not required under the regulations, the work must still be done under the supervision of a registered structural engineer. NMMC stated, "It is necessary to inform the society, and the concerned society would be required to do the work under the supervision of a registered structural engineer. If any accident occurs due to such work in the future, the concerned flat holder and the chairman or secretary of the society would also be held responsible."
Public Appeal
NMMC made a public appeal to citizens, cooperative housing societies, and their office bearers to take note of past unfortunate incidents and advised them to initiate appropriate action and precautions to ensure building safety.
