Mumbai Monsoon Alert: MHADA Declares 82 Buildings As Highly Dangerous, Evacuation Drive Underway

Mumbai: As Mumbai prepares for the arrival of the monsoon, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 82 cessed buildings as highly dangerous following its annual pre-monsoon inspection across the island city. The authority has begun an extensive evacuation and rehabilitation exercise to reduce the risk of building-related accidents during the rainy season.

The survey was conducted by MHADA's Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board, which undertakes structural assessments of ageing cessed buildings every year before the onset of monsoon. Officials said 43 of the structures included in this year's list were also classified as highly dangerous during the previous survey, indicating persistent structural concerns.

The latest action reflects MHADA's proactive safety-first approach under the leadership of Vice President and CEO IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, with a renewed emphasis on identifying vulnerable structures early and ensuring residents are moved to safer accommodation before heavy rains arrive.

Over 2,700 Occupants Living In High-Risk Buildings

According to MHADA, the 82 dangerous buildings are currently occupied by 2,736 people, including 2,256 residential occupants and 480 commercial or non-residential tenants.

The authority has already issued evacuation notices to several residents and has begun shifting eligible occupants to transit accommodation. Of the residents who have received notices so far, some have moved to MHADA transit camps, while others have secured alternative housing arrangements independently.

Officials stated that notices are being served in phases and that the evacuation process will continue until all identified structures are cleared.

Transit Camp Arrangements Underway

MHADA estimates that more than 2,100 residents may require temporary accommodation during the relocation process. Necessary arrangements are being made to accommodate affected families in transit camps while further action on the buildings is carried out.

The authority has urged residents not to delay evacuation and to cooperate fully with officials in order to avoid potential risks during periods of intense rainfall and strong winds.

Dangerous Buildings Spread Across Multiple Areas

The list includes old and dilapidated structures located in several parts of South and Central Mumbai, including Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Mazgaon, Nagpada, Kamathipura, Dadar, Prabhadevi and Mahim.

Several well-known ageing residential buildings, chawls and mixed-use structures have been included in the high-risk category after engineers found significant structural deterioration during inspections.

Officials noted that continuous exposure to weather conditions, ageing infrastructure and delayed redevelopment have contributed to the worsening condition of many of these properties.

Focus On Preventing Monsoon Tragedies

Building collapses remain one of Mumbai's recurring monsoon challenges, with old structures often becoming vulnerable during prolonged rainfall. Civic and housing authorities have therefore intensified preventive measures to minimise risks before the rainy season reaches its peak.

MHADA has appealed to occupants to treat evacuation notices seriously and prioritise the safety of their families. Residents have also been asked to immediately report visible signs of structural weakness such as cracks, tilting walls, falling plaster, unusual vibrations or water seepage.

Emergency Helpline Active 24x7

To assist residents during the monsoon preparedness exercise, MHADA has activated its control room round the clock.

Citizens can report emergencies or dangerous conditions by contacting the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board on 23536945, 23517423 or mobile number 9321637699.
With dozens of ageing buildings under close watch, MHADA's ongoing evacuation drive is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding residents and reducing monsoon-related risks across Mumbai's older neighbourhoods.