Jitendra Awhad: Maha govt to consider redevelopment of dangerous structures

The Maharashtra government will think whether it can intervene and redevelop dangerous structures if required to avert untoward incidents of building collapses, Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad said on Thursday.

The minister made the remarks after a portion of an old six-storey building in south Mumbai's Fort area collapsed on Thursday evening, killing six people.

According to media reports, the owner of the building was hesitating over redevelopment of the ill-fated structure.

Speaking to reporters, Awhad noted that owners of dangerous buildings sometimes are opposed to redevelopment.

We will think how such buildings can be redeveloped holding the owners responsible. We will soon hold a meeting to discuss whether the government can intervene in such cases and redevelop buildings if need be to give relief to the people, he said.

The building had been partly vacated for repairs by Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).