Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Mandates Structural Audits for 30-Year-Old Buildings in Navi Mumbai

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has embarked on a proactive initiative to enhance safety standards for older buildings in the region. With an aim to prevent potential hazards, the NMMC has made structural audits mandatory for buildings that are 30 years old or older. This move comes in response to concerns over the structural integrity of ageing structures and aims to mitigate risks associated with dilapidated buildings. 

Under the new directive, residents of buildings aged 30 years or more are required to undergo structural audits conducted by competent agencies. The findings of these audits must be submitted to the relevant department within a specified timeframe. The NMMC utilizes these audit reports to compile a list of structurally compromised buildings, particularly in preparation for the monsoon season when the risk of structural failures increases. 

To enforce compliance with the new mandate, civic officials have been instructed to issue notices under Section 265A of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act (MMCA) to the owners of qualifying structures. These notices serve as a legal requirement for conducting structural audits within stipulated timelines. Notably, the NMMC identified 528 structures as unsafe during the last survey conducted in accordance with NMCA Act 264 norms. 

Furthermore, the NMMC emphasizes the importance of obtaining prior approval from relevant departments for any alterations or repairs to marginally damaged structures. Owners of such buildings are also required to furnish construction status certificates promptly to ensure regulatory compliance.

In addition to regulating older residential buildings, the NMMC has requested information from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) regarding buildings over 30 years old that were constructed under town planning schemes. This comprehensive approach underscores the municipality's commitment to enhancing safety standards across all categories of structures. 

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, NMMC officials stress the critical importance of structural audits in safeguarding lives and property. Failure to comply with the mandate not only poses risks to residents but also holds owners liable for any incidents resulting in loss of life or property. 

To streamline the audit process, the NMMC's Town Planning Department has been tasked with compiling a comprehensive list of buildings aged 30 years and above. Additionally, ward offices have been directed to issue notices to building owners, urging them to conduct structural audits promptly. 

To facilitate the audit process, the NMMC maintains a list of approved structural engineers on its official website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders. 

The NMMC's proactive approach to mandating structural audits for older buildings demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Navi Mumbai. By enforcing stringent regulations and promoting proactive measures, the municipality aims to mitigate risks associated with ageing infrastructure and foster a safer living environment for all residents.