MBMC yet to release list of rickety bldgs in twin-city

In yet another instance that exposes the negligence and apathy of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) towards the safety of citizens, its Public Works Department (PWD) is yet to release the list of dilapidated structures existing in the twin-city.

As per their annual premonsoon ritual, the civic administration releases the list of rickety structures in the first or the second week of May. However, this year the officials seem to be in slumber. This despite the fact that a portion of a rickety building in Bhayandar had collapsed due to strong winds caused by Cyclone Tauktae on 18, May. Last year the MBMC had tagged 18 buildings in the twin-city as dangerous and unfit for human habitation.

This year the delay has been attributed to the shortage of workforce at the ward level to conduct the survey owing to additional duties related to curb the pandemic. When contacted, Narendra Chavhan who heads all the six designated wards said, “The work to prepare the list of dangerous buildings is in progress and it will be released soon.”

Apart from the PWD, the concer ned ward-in-charge shoulders the responsibility of conducting a survey of rickety buildings in their respective jurisdictions, following which due notices are issued under the relevant sections of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation (BPMC) Act-1949 for evacuation (if needed) or submission of structural audit certificates to ascertain if the building is fit for human habitation.