Roshni Apartments in Nalasopara East to Be Razed After Balcony Collapse
A structural audit conducted by the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has classified Roshni Apartments in Achole, Nalasopara East, as a C1 category structure that must be demolished immediately after a balcony collapse forced an urgent evacuation.
The incident occurred around 11:30 am on Saturday, when a second-floor balcony of the five-storeyed building collapsed onto the balcony below, causing the first-floor balcony to cave in under the weight. Personnel from the fire brigade and the Achole police rushed to the scene and evacuated 55 families, comprising nearly 250 people. No injuries were reported in the collapse.
Following the evacuation, the VVCMC appointed an empanelled structural auditor to survey the building. The report, submitted on Sunday, found the structure to be in an extremely critical condition, beyond the scope of repair, and posing an immediate threat to residents.
VVCMC Mayor Ajeev Patil confirmed that adequate staying arrangements have been made for the evacuated families. Patil added that as a precautionary measure, the civic body will also carry out structural audits of neighbouring buildings and unauthorized structures that are nearly 10 years old.
The collapse highlights ongoing structural concerns in the municipality. According to Additional Municipal Commissioner Deepak Sawant, property tax assessments show there are around 1 million properties in Vasai-Virar, half of which are illegal.
Prior to this year's monsoon season, the civic body directed residents of 74 buildings classified as C-1 to vacate due to the risk of collapse. VVCMC Commissioner Prithviraj BP stated that while notices were served to occupants, only 34 buildings have been evacuated so far, while others chose to conduct independent audits.
Commissioner Prithviraj BP warned that the civic body would not be held responsible for any mishaps resulting from a failure to comply with its directives, including delayed evacuations or non-conduct of structural audits.
