As part of the Maharashtra government’s 100-day action plan, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) aims to complete the structural audit of 1,000 cessed buildings in Mumbai by the end of March. Given the upcoming monsoon season, which often leads to the partial or complete collapse of structurally weak buildings, it is crucial to assess the safety and redevelopment needs of aging structures to prevent accidents and fatalities.

A review meeting was recently held to evaluate the ongoing projects under MHADA’s Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB). During the meeting, officials decided to appoint structural consultants to conduct audits for approximately 13,000 cessed buildings over the next year. The action plan includes the completion of 500 structural audits, with 171 audits already finished, and reports for 32 buildings have been submitted.

In line with the plan, the occupants of these 13,000 cessed buildings will soon receive notices under Section 79(A) of MHADA’s Act. This section allows the authority to serve a notice to the owner or landlord of a cessed building, requiring them to submit a redevelopment proposal along with at least 51% consent from the residents within six months. This initiative is expected to streamline the process of improving the safety and condition of the city's aging buildings ahead of the monsoon.

News source: Hindustan Times