BMC keeps close watch on another Haji Ali building

Following the mudslide in Haji Ali on Monday, which had killed a 21-year-old labourer and injured three others, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put a 12-storey building located on the hillock under observation.

Following the mudslide in Haji Ali on Monday, which had killed a 21-year-old labourer and injured three others, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put a 12-storey building located on the hillock under observation.

HT Image

During the mudslide, triggered by heavy showers, a portion of a 40-feet-high retaining wall, built on the edge of a hillock, had come crashing down.

The 12-storey Landmark Apartments, located on the hillock, is now being kept under observation. The pump house of the building is precariously positioned at the edge of the hill. The BMC has also asked residents to be cautious and take adequate safety measures.

A panel of two structural engineers visited the building on Monday.

"The engineers found the building to be safe, but we need to keep an eye on it till the retaining wall is rebuilt. We have asked the residents to appoint a geologist and a structural engineer, to inspect it regularly," said Parag Masurkar, ward officer, D-ward. "The residents are strictly instructed not to let the water tank at the pump house be filled completely, to avoid more landslides," he added.

Yesterday, the civic body had evacuated Vellard View housing society, a 10-storey building located very close to the hill, which was badly affected by the mudslide.

In addition, a team of 10 fire brigade officials has been posted outside the Vellard View building on standby duty.

As a precautionary measure, it will also conduct a safety check of all the buildings throughout the city, which have been declared prone to collapse. "Exposure to the sun after constant rains can be harmful to the structure of the buildings. Our officials would survey these buildings and submit a report on this as well," said municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar.