The Indian Express                 03.06.2013

BMC likely to cut power, water supply to dilapidated structures

IN a bid to evict residents from highly-dilapidated buildings that may collapse during monsoon, BMC is likely to cut electricity and water connections to the buildings. As per the BMC's monsoon preparedness data, 959 buildings in Mumbai are in dilapidated condition. Of these, 606 are privately-owned.

"We have started issuing evacuation notices to residents of these buildings. In a monsoon preparedness meeting last week, the municipal commissioner asked us to ensure the buildings are vacated by June 1. We will cut water and electricity if residents do not comply," said a senior civic official

As per the monsoon preparedness plan unveiled by BMC chief Sitaram Kunte, after eviction, BMC has arranged temporary accommodation for residents in some of its schools.

Of the 606 privately owned dilapidated buildings found in the survey, 228 are in the eastern suburbs, 160 in the island city and 218 in the western suburbs.

Of the BMC's structures, 155 buildings in the island city were found in a decrepit condition, of which 120 are in the island city, 11 in the eastern suburbs and 24 in the western suburbs. L ward comprising Kurla, has the largest number of dilapidated buildings — 90.

The other 198 are cessed buildings in the island city under the jurisdiction of MHADA. Of these, this year, 16 buildings were declared highly dangerous by MHADA. The authority has sought permission from Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to forcefully evict tenants in such buildings.