Unauthorised Nalasopara building tilts over, residents served evacuation notices

Illustrating the increase in unauthorised and poorly-constructed buildings in the Vasai-Virar region, an unauthorised building in Nalasopara East tilted and leaned against the neighbouring building on Saturday. Civic officials blamed the incident on the rains and the poor quality of construction.

The building in question is the four-storeyed Ronak Apartments in Tulinj at Nalasopara East, and the incident occurred on Saturday evening. Terrified residents rushed downstairs, fearing that it was an earthquake. Only later was it revealed that the building was collapsing and leaning on the neighbouring building, which, too, was unauthorised. The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation has served residents with notices to evacuate the building within 24 hours.

"Several illegal developments take place in the region. The civic officials are hand-in-glove with the mafia, who put the lives of the residents at risk by building illegal apartments which often collapse," said Raj Dasoni, a social activist.

"Now the hard-earned money of the residents is at stake and they are homeless. They have to leave their residences or risk their lives, as the building could tilt any time," said Dasoni.

"We have given the notices to the residents and will take legal action against the builder. We will also demolish the structure," said Govind Rathod, Civic Chief (Temporary), VVMC.