Won’t take blame if buildings crash: BMC

Over 600 residents from 25 buildings at GTB Nagar in Sion are distressed at the way the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is expecting them to vacate the houses they have called home for over 30 years, without giving them an alternative. 

On Wednesday, the civic body issued a public notice in newspapers absolving itself of any responsibility if there is an untoward incident or collapse of any of these building during monsoon. Instead, it said the residents, who are unwilling to vacate the premises, would be responsible for it. 

Pradeep Nanbrajog, secretary of Vijay Punjab Cooperative Housing Society (CHS), said, “The court has already granted a stay on any further coercive action. Then what is the need of publishing such notices? Is this not meant to create a public opinion that we residents are at fault?”

The civic body, in its notice, has stated: ‘Buildings are in absolute dangerous conditions and without any warning they may collapse any time. If any untoward incident occurs, the corporation should not be held responsible for it.’

Bunty Sehgal of Meher CHS said, “There are other dilapidated buildings in the city. Why is the civic body targeting us? Is it because of prime property rates that this land will fetch?”

The societies had approached the HC seeking a redevelopment scheme before they vacate. Advocate Anand Jondhale, the society’s lawyer, said it is unfair to throw them out without giving them a redevelopment option.

Last year, when civic officials and police visited the area to cut power and water connections, a protest had erupted in which many were injured.

'IN PUBLIC INTEREST'

• A civic official said ‘This procedure of issuing public notice is followed to inform the public and residents that a building is in dilapidated condition and is dangerous for living in. We are only following due process.’