NMMC sets up committee to probe legality of Belapur building collapse | Mumbai News

Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has set up a two-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain whether the collapsed Indira Niwas building was constructed legally.

The committee comprises Shirish Aradwad, Deputy Commissioner, Zone II, NMMC, and Somnath Kekan, Deputy Director, Town Planning. NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has asked them to submit a detailed report within seven days.

Shinde said the building is only 15 years old and hence neither dilapidated nor in category C1 (dangerous and dilapidated). Buildings in category C1 must be vacated and demolished immediately.

“Nevertheless, it collapsed, killing three people and injuring two,” Shinde said. “More than 50 people are now homeless. It is imperative to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse and investigate all aspects related to legality, construction, sale, etc. to take appropriate action against those responsible for the disaster.”

The investigation by the committee will examine the land records, housing registration and sale processes and ascertain whether the NMMC issued any notices and took any action before it. The committee will also ascertain whether there were any objections to the notices in the court. The role of the officials concerned during the construction will also be probed. “The committee may take assistance from the Indian Institute of Technology if required and may even seek help with lab reports during its investigation,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the building powers department of NMMC has also directed district-level officials to inspect all the buildings and issue orders to conduct structural checks. A team from each of the eight districts has initiated a detailed survey to ascertain the structural stability of the buildings and granted permission to vacate the buildings found dangerous with immediate effect.

“Just like the building that collapsed in Shahbaz (village), there are many more such buildings in various gaothan belts of the city where buildings are being constructed and occupied without any building or occupancy permits,” said a senior NMMC official. “District officials have been directed to identify such buildings for further action. Similarly, buildings that appear dangerous must be subjected to structural assessment.”

A resident of Shahbaz village claims that the builder Mahesh Khumbar is known for constructing illegal structures in the area. “There are at least five other illegal structures constructed in a similar manner in the same village and the authorities have turned a blind eye to such irregularities for years. In fact, the builder is known for forcibly acquiring land from owners to construct such illegal structures,” said the person, who wished to remain anonymous.

HT tried to reach Khumbar by call and message, but his phone was switched off.