MLA Confronts Mumbai Mayor Over Inaction on Old Buildings

Around 30 people lost their lives after a building in South Mumbai collapsed.

Rescue operations underway at the site of the incident.

(Photo: ANI)

Following the deluge caused by heavy rains, Mumbai faced another tragedy on 31 August. A five-storey residential building, which was reportedly a 125 years old, collapsed at JJ Marg, South Mumbai.

Around 22 people lost their lives and over 30 were rescued from the rubble. They were rushed to JJ Hospital for treatment.

With Ministers taking stock of the situation at the site, Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, too, was seen addressing the media when he was confronted by a rather irate All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan.

Pathan claimed he repeatedly raised the issue of around 16,000 dilapidated structures in the city that can “fall at any time.”

“Why didn’t the Government take any action,” he asked.

Also Read: Mumbai Building Collapse: The Quint’s Report from Ground Zero

The Mayor said that the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) had sent a notice to the building.

This was the developer’s responsibility to evacuate and re-develop this site. Inquiry will take place for understanding reasons behind non-evacuation of the building... Action will be taken against those responsible.

Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, Mayor

(#TalkingStalking: Have you ever been stalked? Share your experience with The Quint and inspire others to shatter the silence surrounding stalking. Send your stories to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])