Altaf Mansion collapse: Civic body's primary report rules out design change

The focus of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) investigation into Altaf Mansion collapse is likely to focus on the material used in the building’s construction.

A primary report into the incident ruled out the possibility of changes in the building’s original design plan.

The building in Mahim, less than 30 years old, collapsed on June 10, killing 10 persons. It was constructed in two phases and the OCs were granted in 1983 and 1986.

“To ascertain reasons behind the collapse, we have appointed a structural engineer, Shashank Mehandale. The initial finding shows that there was no change in the design since the time of issuing occupancy certificate,” said additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani.However, Adtani said the initial findings need to be seconded by another inspection of the structure from inside. “We will prop up the structure to make it safe before the second round of inspection. Since it is in a dangerous condition, the initial study was conducted from outside,” he added.

The civic authorities said they would come to a final conclusion after the chemical analysis of exposed debris and then fix responsibility. The developer was Haji Abdul Latif Abubakar, architect (VP Parekh and Associates) and RCC consultant was NM Karanjawala. The municipal authorities reiterated that it would start demolition of the remaining portion of the five-storey building from Tuesday. “We will allow residents to collect their valuables in the next two days. To ensure safety, a resident will be accompanied by a fire personnel and policeman while collecting their valuables,” said the official. The occupants won’t be allowed take heavy belongings such as cupboards, Adtani said.