BMC to cut water, electricity supply if dilapidated structures not evacuated

After two collapses, all buildings that are property of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and are in a dilapidated condition will have their water and electricity supply cut from tomorrow if their occupants do not evacuate the place.

Survivors rummage through the debris of Altaf Mansion, which was a private building. The BMC is planning to get private dilapidated structures within its ambit soon. Pic/Satyajit Desai

The BMC is also considering taking the same stance for private buildings that are in a poor condition after the partial collapse that took place at Mahim and one that almost crashed at Borivli. BMC has issued notices to all such structures to be evacuated by today.

The ward officers of all the 24 wards will cut water and electricity supply to these buildings if they are not vacated. Only 25 of the 78 structures on the list of BMC dilapidated buildings, including hospitals, schools, staff quarters, offices, and markets, have been evacuated till today.

After the Mahim building collapse in which the BMC had to aid in the clearing of the debris and provide necessary relief to residents, the civic body wants to get private buildings on its radar and such buildings that are in poor shape will be issued notices too.

A senior officer of BMC, who did not wish to reveal his identity, said, "We will be cutting the electricity and water supply of private buildings too, to prevent any loss of lives. We will be talking to the municipal commissioner about this as we cannot let a dilapidated structure cause harm to human life."

Aseem Gupta, additional municipal commissioner (estates and buildings), said, "We will consider taking action against dilapidated private buildings just like BMC buildings. But our priority is the municipal buildings as they are our properties and we will be in a position to give them accommodation."u00a0