72 families evacuated after cracks found in Kashimira bldg

Around 72 families residing in three wings of a sprawling residential complex in Kashimira had to be evacuataed after gaping gaps were noticed on the base columns of the buildings on Tuesday night. The 16 year old buildings-Aman , Amitabh and Mad-huriof ground plus three storey structures in the Green Wood (Bollywood) complex of Hatkesh in Kashimira housed 72 families and did not fare in the list of dangerous structres recently published by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), officials said. Residents have blamed massive ongoing construction activities behind their building by a developer for the damage.

According to chief fire officer-Prakash Borade, after getting information regarding wide cracks noticed on the base column and exterior of the buildings, we immediately reached the spot, evacuataed the residents with the help of the local police and disconnected power supply as a safety measure.

"As of now our top priority is to safely shift the residents to alternate accommodations. Strict action will be initiated against those found responsible for the damage." said municipal commissioner Balaji Khatgaokar. " We have been raising the issue of potential threat with the civic administration for the past several months, yet no action was taken." alleged local municipal corporator-Daulat Gajre.

" Had the MBMC taken action to check the irregularities, we would have been saved from this ordeal which has left all of us homeless." said Salim Chunawala a resident.