MHADA Finds 178 Cessed Buildings Extremely Dangerous in Mumbai, Begins Land Acquisition Process

Structural Audits Cover Thousands of Aging Buildings to Improve Safety for Mumbai Residents

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 178 extremely dangerous cessed buildings in Mumbai as part of an ongoing structural audit campaign. The authority has also started the land acquisition process for these buildings to reduce the risk of accidents and protect residents living in aging structures.

The campaign was launched on September 1 by MHADA’s Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board. It focuses on old cessed buildings that have been standing for several decades and require safety inspections. The initiative aims to assess their structural condition and identify buildings that need urgent attention.

MHADA Inspects Thousands of Old Buildings Across Mumbai

Mumbai has approximately 12,552 cessed buildings, many of which are between 80 and 100 years old. MHADA is responsible for their repair and reconstruction, making regular structural assessments important for public safety.

As part of the ongoing drive, structural audits have been completed for nearly 2,000 buildings. Reports received for 1,717 buildings have classified 178 as extremely dangerous and another 333 as dangerous.

The remaining buildings have been placed in different categories based on their structural condition and repair requirements. According to the available audit figures, 1,089 buildings can be repaired without requiring residents to vacate, while 117 buildings need minor repairs.

The inspection campaign is being conducted through four agencies. MHADA plans to complete structural audits of all identified cessed buildings by December 2027.

Land Acquisition Begins for Extremely Dangerous Buildings

To prevent possible accidents caused by structural failures, MHADA has started the process of acquiring land associated with extremely dangerous buildings under Section 88(3)(a) of the relevant law.

The process is an important step toward addressing the risks posed by severely damaged structures. However, relocating residents from buildings declared extremely dangerous remains a major challenge. The authority will need to coordinate safety measures, evacuation plans, and further action for affected properties.

Timely decisions will be essential to protect residents while ensuring that the redevelopment or reconstruction process moves forward.

Providing Alternative Housing Remains a Key Challenge

One of the biggest concerns is arranging temporary accommodation for residents who may need to leave extremely dangerous buildings. Providing suitable transit housing for a large number of families will require careful planning and coordination.

MHADA will need to consider the number of affected households, the availability of transit homes, and the time required to complete the necessary repairs or reconstruction work. Clear communication with residents will also be important throughout the process.

MHADA's Structural Audit Drive Focuses on Long-Term Safety

The ongoing campaign is intended to provide a clearer picture of the condition of Mumbai's aging cessed buildings and help authorities prioritize urgent safety measures. By identifying high-risk structures and beginning the land acquisition process where required, MHADA is working to address potential hazards before they lead to serious accidents.

Completing the audits by December 2027 will help the authority assess the wider needs of these buildings and plan future repair, reconstruction, and rehabilitation measures. Ensuring safe accommodation for affected residents will remain a central part of this effort.

Key Figures From MHADA's Structural Audit Campaign

• Total cessed buildings in Mumbai: 12,552
• Buildings reported in the audit figures: 1,717
• Extremely dangerous buildings: 178
• Dangerous buildings: 333
• Buildings repairable without vacating residents: 1,089
• Buildings requiring minor repairs: 117
• Target for completing all structural audits: December 2027