BMC lists 134 buildings as dilapidated ahead of monsoon season

As the monsoon season is round the corner, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, BMC has listed134 buildings in Mumbai as dilapidated, prompting a dip in the numbers as compared to previous years.
Out of these 134 unsafe buildings, 57 have already been vacated, while 77 remain occupied. Civic officials noted that around 56 of these buildings are currently undergoing legal proceedings. In 2023, 387 buildings were identied as dilapidated, while the number dropped to 188 in 2024. BMC attributes this decreasing figure to increasing number of buildings being demolished and vacated.

The BMC’s 2025 survey identifies a total of 134 C1 category buildings across Mumbai that are deemed unsafe and unfit for habitation. The highest number of such dilapidated structures—15 each—have been reported in H/West ward (Bandra, Khar West) and P/South ward (Goregaon). These are followed by 11 buildings each in K/E ward (Andheri East) and N ward (Ghatkopar), 10 in K/West (Andheri West), and 7 buildings each in H/E (Chembur) and P/North (Malad).

Other wards like R/South (Kandivali West) have 8 buildings, while G/N (Dadar-Matunga) and L ward (Kurla) have 6 each. Wards such as A, B, D, F/N, M/W, and S report between 3 to 6 unsafe buildings, whereas C, E, M/E, and T wards have only 1 to 2 such structures. Notably, F/S (F South) and R/C (R Central) wards have no buildings marked under the C1 category this year.

In order to prevent casualties and injuries ahead of the monsoon season, BMC identifies and lists C1 category buildings, those deemed unfit for dwelling and requiring immediate evacuation and demolition. Most of these structures are over 30 years old. Once declared C1, the civic body issues notices of demolition to the residents. It gives them 15 days to vacate.

Despite the civic body calling for the immediate evacuation of the unsafe structures, many residents continue to reside in the dilapidated structures owing to a lack of alternate means of accomodation and provisions offering them protection. Several inhabitants also question the categorisation of ‘ C1 dilapidated’, calling for another survey of the structure, which is conducted by BMC’s empanelled structural auditors.

How are buildings classified?

• C1:These buildings are deemed unsafe and require immediate evacuation and demolition. Buildings in this category are often at least 30 years old or older.
• C2A:This category likely indicates buildings that require specific repairs or structural work to be made safe.
• C2B:This category likely indicates buildings that require more extensive repairs or structural work to be made safe.
• C3:This category likely indicates buildings that require general repairs or improvements. 

What actions does BMC take?

• Identification: The BMC identifies dilapidated buildings through pre-monsoon surveys.
• Notification: For C1 category buildings, the BMC issues notices to residents, informing them of the need to demolish the building and vacate it within a specified timeframe (usually 15 days).
• Legal Measures: The BMC may pursue legal measures to lift stays and expedite evacuations of C1 buildings