Structural audit process revised

MUMBAI: Inconclusive findings of structural audit reports that focus more on detailing the reparability of a structure than its habitability have led the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to revise the procedure for surveying buildings.

The revised procedures being formulated state that after a structural audit, the proposed building safety committee comprising structural engineering experts would declare if the building is fit for habitation, irrespective of the extent of its dilapidated condition.

In the case of the Mazgaon building, the structural audit report had termed the condition of the building as ‘not bad’, making its evacuation not a priority. The building was also categorised as C2B structure which meant it was dilapidated, but repairable.

At present, the civic body categorises dilapidated buildings into four categories — those that need to be vacated and demolished (C1), those that require part demolition (C2A), those that require major structural repairs (C2B), and those where minor repairs need to be undertaken (C3).

The procedure for immediate evacuation and provision of alternate accommodation is initiated only in the case of C1 buildings.

“In the sphere of civil engineering, every building is reparable, technically. But what is more important is whether the building is fit for habitation, till the repairs are complete.

Hence, irrespective of the category, audits of all buildings henceforth would have to conclude if the buildings need to be vacated or not,” said a senior civic official, working on the formulation of revised standard operating procedures.

A circular outlining the revised procedures is likely to be issued this week.