Mumbai Residents Fear Wall Collapse as Monsoon Looms

Residents of the Rajmala Premises Cooperative Society in Mumbai are voicing concerns over the potential collapse of a shared retaining wall due to ongoing construction at the adjacent Chitrakoot Bungalow. With the monsoon season approaching, fears of a collapse are growing, putting both lives and property at risk.

MumbaiMonsoonConstructionRetaining WallSafetyReal Estate MumbaiMay 31, 2025

Mumbai Residents Fear Wall Collapse as Monsoon Looms
Real Estate Mumbai:Residents of Rajmala Premises Cooperative Society on Nepean Sea Road have expressed grave concerns over ongoing construction at the adjacent Chitrakoot Bungalow, the official residence of a senior Maharashtra government official. The construction activities have reportedly compromised a shared retaining wall, raising fears of potential collapse during the impending monsoon season.

The Rajmala building, a nine-storey structure dating back to the 1960s, is situated at the base of Malabar Hill and shares a rubble masonry retaining wall with the bungalow. Residents allege that recent excavation and construction work at the bungalow have partially damaged the top of this wall, leaving the lower sections exposed and vulnerable. They fear that heavy rains could lead to a collapse, endangering both life and property.

In a letter dated April 8 to the Public Works Department (PWD), society members highlighted the risks posed by the compromised wall. They noted that the wall’s thickness decreases as it ascends, making it susceptible to pressure from accumulated stormwater during monsoons. The residents have requested detailed plans and schedules from the PWD to address and mitigate these risks before the monsoon intensifies. One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “Our concern is that in heavy rain, as expected during monsoon, the upper part of the remaining wall can collapse under the pressure of accumulated stormwater.”

Another resident highlighted the disturbances caused by the construction, mentioning that the noise from lifting large stones and debris has made it difficult for lower-floor residents to open their windows. The April complaint letter also pointed out that the hillock behind the building had remained untouched for over 60 years, and recent excavations have loosened the soil and uprooted trees, further destabilizing the area. In response, PWD officials have stated that they are constructing a 35-foot retaining wall which they claim will remain structurally sound. However, residents continue to demand greater transparency and a clear schedule for the repair work to safeguard their buildings. Attempts to reach the official’s team for comments were unsuccessful.

The situation underscores the need for careful urban planning and consideration of environmental impacts, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. As Mumbai braces for the monsoon, residents of Rajmala Premises hope for prompt and effective action to ensure their safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern of the residents of Rajmala Premises Cooperative Society?

The main concern of the residents is the potential collapse of a shared retaining wall due to ongoing construction at the adjacent Chitrakoot Bungalow, which could be exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains.

What has the Public Works Department (PWD) been asked to do?

The PWD has been requested to provide detailed plans and schedules to address and mitigate the risks posed by the compromised retaining wall before the monsoon intensifies.

How has the construction affected the residents' daily life?

The construction has caused disturbances such as noise from lifting large stones and debris, making it difficult for lower-floor residents to open their windows.

What is the PWD's response to the residents' concerns?

The PWD officials have stated that they are constructing a 35-foot retaining wall which they claim will remain structurally sound. However, residents continue to demand greater transparency and a clear schedule for the repair work.

Why is this situation particularly concerning in the context of Mumbai's monsoon season?

The situation is particularly concerning because the compromised retaining wall is susceptible to pressure from accumulated stormwater during monsoons, which could lead to a collapse, endangering both lives and property.

Related News Articles

Kolte-Patil Developers Sees Leadership Change as Rahul Talele Exits, Atul Bohra Takes Helm
Real Estate Mumbai

Kolte-Patil Developers Sees Leadership Change as Rahul Talele Exits, Atul Bohra Takes Helm

Rahul Talele steps down as Kolte-Patil Developers' CEO, Atul Bohra to take over; company plans to launch real estate projects worth ₹9,000 crore by FY25 in Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

June 14, 2024
Read Article
Unveiling Tina Ambani: The Former Bollywood Actress with a Staggering Net Worth
Real Estate Mumbai

Unveiling Tina Ambani: The Former Bollywood Actress with a Staggering Net Worth

Get to know Anil Ambani's wife, Tina Ambani, a former Bollywood actress with a net worth of over Rs 2,300 crore and a luxurious lifestyle in Mumbai.

July 24, 2024
Read Article
GST Council Meeting: GoM on Rate Rationalisation and Real Estate Submit Status Reports
Real Estate

GST Council Meeting: GoM on Rate Rationalisation and Real Estate Submit Status Reports

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation and the GoM on real estate submitted their status reports after the 54th GST Council meeting, as stated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

September 9, 2024
Read Article
Macrotech Developers Boosts Stake in Warehousing Firms with Rs 239.56 Crore Deal
Real Estate Mumbai

Macrotech Developers Boosts Stake in Warehousing Firms with Rs 239.56 Crore Deal

Real estate firm Macrotech Developers has increased its stake in three warehousing companies, buying out shares of Ivanhoe Warehousing India Inc. for Rs 239.56 crore.

September 19, 2024
Read Article
Kolkata's Real Estate Market Sees Unprecedented Growth with Highest Home Sales in Two Years
Real Estate

Kolkata's Real Estate Market Sees Unprecedented Growth with Highest Home Sales in Two Years

Kolkata's real estate market has bounced back, recording the highest property registrations in about two years, despite the absence of incentives.

September 30, 2024
Read Article
Land Deals Surge 65% in January-September, Totaling 1,700 Acres: CBRE
Real Estate Mumbai

Land Deals Surge 65% in January-September, Totaling 1,700 Acres: CBRE

A recent survey by CBRE, a leading real estate consultant, has revealed a significant 65% increase in land deals from January to September this year, amounting to over 1,700 acres. The report highlights the strong investor confidence in India's real estat

October 23, 2024
Read Article