BMC Issues Strict Warning on Lapses in Managing Dangerous Buildings
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has raised serious concerns over procedural lapses in the management of dangerous (C-1 category) buildings. In a detailed circular issued on April 2 by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, the BMC has warned its ward-level officials of disciplinary and legal consequences for noncompliance with laid-down norms.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) for managing unauthorised constructions and dangerous buildings was first laid down through a 2016 circular, following directions from a High Court petition. This SOP mandates that all actions against such structures be recorded on the Encroachment Eradication Monitoring and Management System (RETMS) — a centralised digital platform introduced to ensure transparency and accountability.
The need for a fresh circular was felt after identifying lapses in the case of a dilapidated building in Mumbai's Prabhadevi area. Dr. Joshi explained, “Here we found that the procedure wasn't followed and hence a need was felt to issue a circular reiterating the guidelines.”
The BMC also highlighted irregularities in the implementation of Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, particularly Rule 33(7)(a), which governs the redevelopment of old, dilapidated, and tenant-occupied buildings. This rule outlines the process for determining tenant eligibility and permissible built-up area during reconstruction or redevelopment.
According to the circular, officers, developers, and architects have, in several cases, failed to follow guidelines issued in 2018 and 2020 regarding verification of occupied areas, documentation, and certification processes. The fresh circular warns that bypassing due scrutiny while processing area certificates and related documents could result in financial losses to the municipal corporation.
“Processing redevelopment-related documents without following the prescribed procedure is leading to revenue implications for the corporation,” the circular stated. The civic body has now directed all assistant commissioners and designated officers across wards to strictly comply with SOPs and ensure that every step, from issuing notices to taking enforcement action, is duly recorded on the RETMS platform.
It has also made it clear that any deviation from the rules will attract accountability. “Concerned officers, as well as developers and architects involved in such violations, will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action,” the circular warned.
The BMC's move is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and preventing financial losses. By reinforcing these guidelines, the municipal corporation hopes to streamline the process of managing dangerous buildings and maintaining the integrity of the city's infrastructure.
