Civic lapse before Bhiwandi’s deadly collapse

Thane, Maharashtra faced a tragic loss on July 30 when a four-story building in Bhiwandi collapsed, claiming 10 lives and leaving three others injured. The incident stemmed from an administrative error in categorizing the structure, which allowed residents to remain in the building despite its dangerous condition.

The Kohinoor Building, situated in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi's Thane district, comprised 48 rooms across four floors. However, it was mistakenly classified as "Category C2B (structural repairs without eviction)" in the official list published on May 12. This misclassification, according to civil officials, resulted in a delay in implementing necessary safety measures.

Instead of necessitating immediate eviction, the misclassification permitted residents to continue residing in the building. Consequently, a contractor proceeded with repairs without obtaining the requisite permissions from the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC). Furthermore, local officials provided inaccurate information to higher authorities, concealing the true extent of the building's structural issues.

During a meeting on August 5 with Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal, who assumed the role of BNCMC commissioner, the ward staff incorrectly stated that the building was classified as "Category C2A (repairs requiring partial eviction)." This false representation obscured the severity of the building's condition and hindered prompt intervention.

In response to the tragedy, BNCMC officials have initiated comprehensive audits and re-classifications of all structures within the C-1, C2A, and C2B categories across Bhiwandi. Disciplinary action and even criminal/administrative accountability will be imposed on civic officials found guilty of submitting false or negligent building classifications.

Prior to the collapse, the BNCMC had issued a notice on September 7, 2020, demanding a structural audit report from the property owners. A reminder notice was served on April 22, 2022. Following non-compliance, eviction notices were issued on June 5, 2026, resulting in the disconnection of electricity and water supply to the building and the evacuation of its occupants. Despite these measures, the property owners continued unauthorized structural repairs.

Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the building owner and the contractor allegedly engaged in unauthorized work on the premises.