Mumbai Building Collapse – Rescue Operation Underway

The National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF,) on the 17th of July, confirmed, approximately 14 people died in the Mumbai building collapse.

On the 16th of July, Kesarbai Mansion, a 100 year old 4 storey building situated in the Dongri area of Mumbai, collapsed. The incident left 13 dead and several injured.

The building was one of the oldest constructions in the heart of the City.

Although the building was illegal and was ordered to be demolished in 2017 by the Civic Body of Mumbai after a safety audit, it was not demolished.

The Maharashtra Government blamed the Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHDA) as they are responsible for the maintenance of housing in Mumbai.

On the other hand, Vinod Ghosalkar, the Chairman of the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB,) said, they handed over the project of redevelopment to BSB Developers, who did not start the work.

The officials said, “This is a serious matter and we will investigate why the redevelopment work was not initiated, what caused the delays and take appropriate action against those responsible.”

When the residents were asked about the delay in reconstruction, they said, they went to government offices for three years, but did not get any positive response.

A resident of Kesarbai Mansion said, “We have been visiting the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) for funds to repair the buildings. We are told that there are no funds.”

The collapse left several injured and took away the lives of 13 people, including 3 children. It also raised a question regarding the issue of population and the scarcity of land for people to reside in the City.

Amin Patel, a Local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA,) is expected to meet Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, on the 17th of July.

Devendra Fadnavis, on the 17th of July, announced Rs. 5 lakh ex gratia for the family members of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured in the incident.

Mr. Fadnavis also said, the Government of Maharashtra will take care of all the medical expenses in Mumbai building collapse incident.

The NDRF, the Mumbai Fire Brigade and the State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) are conducting the rescue operations. The death toll is likely to increase with time although the rescue operation is underway.

Stay tuned for further updates.