Structural Collapse at Mahim Chawl Raises Safety Concerns Amidst Stalled Redevelopment
Another mishap at 90-year-old Mahim chawl awaiting redevelopment for 9 years
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A partial collapse of the first-floor passage at Daginawala Chawl in Mahim West, Mumbai, has heightened fears among residents about their safety. The chawl, which has been awaiting redevelopment since 2017, has experienced multiple structural failures, prompting calls for urgent action from authorities and the developer.
- 01Daginawala Chawl has been awaiting redevelopment for six years.
- 02Residents report multiple structural failures, raising safety concerns.
- 03Only about 60 of the original 96 tenants remain due to safety issues.
- 04The developer claims delays were due to pending environmental clearances.
- 05Residents urge immediate intervention to prevent a potential disaster.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On Saturday, a section of the first-floor passage of the Daginawala Chawl in Mahim West, Mumbai, collapsed, raising alarms among residents who feel they are 'living on borrowed time.' This 90-year-old building has been plagued by structural failures, with reports of at least a dozen incidents over the past seven years. Originally housing 96 tenants, only around 60 remain, as many families have moved out due to safety concerns. The chawl was declared dilapidated years ago, and a no-objection certificate for redevelopment was issued in 2017 to Reshma Construction. However, residents allege that the developer has not responded to their repeated inquiries. Jayant Gawde, a resident, recounted a recent incident where part of his ceiling collapsed, prompting emergency alerts. Other residents, like Urich Kamath, highlighted visible signs of distress, including exposed metal rods and a precariously supported toilet block. Nikhil Gosrani expressed frustration over the unsafe living conditions, while Gayatri Rao warned that the building is 'one step away from disaster.' A representative from the developer stated that environmental clearances have now been obtained, and redevelopment is expected to commence within the next two months.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Residents of Daginawala Chawl continue to face dangerous living conditions, with potential for further structural failures. Immediate action is needed to ensure their safety.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the government prioritize the redevelopment of aging structures like Daginawala Chawl?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




