More than 800 buildings have been categorised as 'extremely dangerous", while over 18,000 structures have been tagged 'unsafe' in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, according to an NDTV report. The structures are spread across Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Mira-Bhayandar, and Ulhasnagar, with most over three to five decades old.
Several of these structures have either failed structural audits or have not undergone proper inspections. Despite civic notices asking residents to vacate these dangerous buildings, many families continue living because they have no immediate alternative accommodation.
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Municipal authorities have warned that heavy rainfall, persistent leakage, and structural failures, including weakened pillars and crumbling walls, could trigger building collapses during the upcoming monsoon season.
Evacuation drives have been launched in some places, with officials considering cutting off water and electricity supply to buildings where residents refuse to move out, according to NDTV.
Hurdles in redevelopment projects, disputes among residents, and procedural hurdles involving builders and authorities have further worsened the crisis, endangering the lives of thousands of people.
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Officials have cautioned that unless a streamlined evacuation system is established and the redevelopment process is fast-tracked, lives and property will continue to remain at risk.
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