On July 30, a four-storey building in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 10 people and injuring three. The incident occurred in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi, Thane district. According to civic sources, an administrative lapse in classifying the building as a 'dangerous' structure allowed residents to remain in the building, despite its poor condition. The Kohinoor Building, which comprised 48 rooms, was incorrectly classified by the local ward officer, delaying necessary safety actions.
A senior official with the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) stated that the building was listed under category 'C2B' (for structural repairs without eviction) in the official list published on May 12. However, the building required immediate eviction due to its structural degradation. Instead, a contractor began carrying out repairs without obtaining permission from the BNCMC. Local officials also provided inaccurate information to higher authorities, which further delayed forceful intervention.
Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal has ordered comprehensive re-audits and re-classification of all structures under C-1, C2A, and C2B categories across Bhiwandi. Disciplinary action will be taken against civic officials found submitting false or negligent building classifications. The BNCMC has registered an FIR against the building owner and a contractor who was allegedly executing unauthorised work on the premises.
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf