After one more week, 45 Ulhasnagar buildings will be demolished by the civic body
Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has begun to evacuate buildings that are considered “highly dilapidated” and is currently demolishing three of them. Residents were informed last week that 45 buildings need immediate repairs. According to sources, if they fail to leave by next week, the civic body will disconnect power and water.
After complete evacuation, the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has identified eight buildings that need to be demolished and 50 that need repairs.
“All eight buildings classified as highly dilapidated and requiring immediate evacuation have been evacuated. Demolition of three has been initiated and will be completed soon,” said UMC officials.
Fifteen of the 50 buildings deemed dangerous for habitation are completely vacant. The remaining 30 have been notified by the UMC to vacate by next week, or their water and electricity will be shut off.
Residents of dangerous buildings that need to be evacuated for repairs have responded well so far, the official said.
A resident of these buildings told midday last month that they were living in fear because an updated structural audit was not available ahead of the monsoon. Rents have gone through the roof and many did not have enough money to move out and had requested more time. They were struggling to find alternative accommodation within their budgets.
Many expressed their inability to move, saying their fate was now in God’s hands.
It is necessary to evacuate Raju Makhija from Tej Palace due to repairs. He said that he has not been notified to leave. I am renting here. Although I have tried my best, I haven’t been able to find any alternative accommodation. The building houses four more families. Let’s see how long we can stay here,” he said.
In haste, Narayan Bhatia moved out of Lavina Palace and rented a room in Ulhasnagar 5. “The rent for a 2BHK is Rs 15,000; we were told we could stay at Tata Amantra in Bhiwandi. But, how?” he explained.
UMC’s nodal officer Ganesh Shimpi stated, “This notice may seem harsh, but it’s for the people’s benefit; it’ll save their lives. We understand the practical difficulties of shifting. However, without any deadlines, residents won’t act. We hope that we won’t have to resort to disconnection, and residents will evacuate peacefully.”
The five
So far, how many buildings have been vacated
The eighth
Demolition of buildings
The 50th
Buildings that need repairs after full evacuation
