Mumbai's Deadly Building Collapse Sparks Urgent Crackdown on Illegal Extensions in Tenement Buildings

On May 28, 2025, the collapse of a segment of the fifth floor of a rehabilitated tenement building in Byculla resulted in the tragic death of a 35-year-old woman and left another injured. This fatal incident, caused by unauthorized extensions beyond the original building framework, has heightened concern about the safety risks posed by such alterations.

The building, originally reconstructed between 1980 and 1990 by the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB), housed 193 residential and 11 non-residential units.

Over the past decade, many tenants made unauthorized modifications in their apartments due to the cramped living spaces. While these changes were intended to ease space constraints, they weakened the building’s structural integrity, ultimately leading to the disaster.

Immediate Action by Authorities: A City-Wide Response

In the wake of the Byculla incident, the MBRRB has launched a city-wide survey to inspect reconstructed tenement buildings under its jurisdiction. Tenants who have made unauthorized extensions have been served notices to remove these modifications. Authorities have emphasized that, while space expansion is often a necessity for residents in smaller rooms, these unauthorized changes are typically made without safety considerations, creating immense risks.

Activists have also criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its reactive approach to illegal construction. He highlighted that despite the presence of a dedicated Building and Factory department under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act, the BMC has frequently failed to take proactive measures, with most interventions only happening after disasters strike.

The Pattern of Negligence: Tragedies Linked to Unauthorized Modifications

Mumbai has witnessed several devastating building collapses linked to unauthorized modifications. The most notable incidents include: Dongri Collapse (2019): The illegal extension of Kesarbai Mansion in Dongri collapsed, killing at least 10 people. Thane Collapse (2013): An unauthorized building collapsed, leading to 74 deaths. Kamala Mills Fire (2017): Illegal rooftop structures led to a deadly fire, claiming 14 lives. These tragedies underscore a recurring pattern of negligence by both tenants and regulatory authorities, with unauthorized constructions being a common thread.

Challenges in Enforcing Building Safety: A Complex Struggle

Efforts to prevent unauthorized modifications face significant challenges:

Lack of Regular Inspections:

Many buildings, particularly older structures, fail to undergo the necessary periodic audits, allowing dangerous modifications to go unnoticed.

Resource Constraints:

Regulatory bodies like MHADA often face resource shortages, including inadequate funds and manpower, which hinder their ability to enforce safety regulations proactively.

Legal Loopholes:

Complex legal frameworks and slow litigation processes prevent swift action against violators, delaying corrective measures and putting residents at risk.

Resident Resistance:

Tenants, often reluctant to remove modifications due to the perceived loss of living space or fear of eviction, present another obstacle to enforcement.

The Path Forward: Strengthening Structural Safety in Mumbai

To prevent future disasters and protect residents, a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is needed:

Regular Structural Audits:

Implement mandatory structural inspections, particularly for older buildings, to detect and address unauthorized modifications promptly.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Educate residents on the dangers of illegal extensions and the importance of adhering to building codes to prevent accidents.

Strengthening Regulatory Bodies:

Enhance the capacity of agencies like the MBRRB and BMC with increased funding, personnel, and resources to enforce regulations more effectively.

Simplifying Legal Processes:

Streamline legal procedures to speed up action against violators, ensuring quicker responses and more timely justice.

Incentivizing Compliance:

Provide incentives for residents to regularize their constructions, ensuring that safety standards are met and reducing risks.

Disclaimer: The details shared in this article are based on current reports and sources as of May 2025. The information is subject to updates as investigations and actions by authorities continue.