178 landslide-prone spots in city identified by civic body

The civic body has identified 178 landslide-prone areas in the city, which are in danger of caving in the rain. Almost all the spots are located on hilly areas or are marked by slums.

The civic body has identified 178 landslide-prone areas in the city, which are in danger of caving in the rain. Almost all the spots are located on hilly areas or are marked by slums.

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The S ward (Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, Powai, Vikhroli - East) and N ward (Ghatkopar and parts of Vikhroli) are the worst hit with 49 and 42 spots respectively

Retaining walls have been built at some of the areas such as Rahul Nagar, Nagababa Nagar, Vashinaka, Ashok Nagar, RC Marg and Hashu Advani Nagar in M-East ward.

Since 2005, landslides in the city have claimed 105 lives. Last year, there were 18 landslides and one person was killed in an incident that took place near Haji Ali. "We have issued notices to residents of these areas to relocate to safer zones. If they choose to continue live there, it is at their own risk," said a civic official.

SS Shinde, joint municipal commissioner, disaster management cell, said, "Hills where these settlements are located fall under the state government. They should rehabilitate residents," he said.

The state government, meanwhile, is in the initial stages of drafting a policy for providing permanent housing to residents of high-risk areas.

"Every district is undertaking a high-risk vulnerability assessment under which all calamity prone-risk areas will be identified. Decision on whether a policy can be formulated for resettlement of habitants would be taken after that," said IA Kundan, director of state disaster management department.