MHADA Steps Up Safety Push With Citywide Audit of Cessed Buildings

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has stepped up its safety efforts by deciding to conduct a structural audit of all cessed buildings in Mumbai ahead of the 2026 monsoon. This move marks a significant shift from previous years, when only a limited number of buildings were audited in detail.

What Are Cessed Buildings?

Cessed buildings are old structures that come under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB), a unit of MHADA. Most of these buildings are more than 80 years old and are concentrated in older parts of the city. Over time, ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, and harsh monsoon conditions have made many of them unsafe for occupation.

Why is MHADA Expanding the Audit?

In the past, MHADA carried out detailed structural audits on only a small portion of cessed buildings each year, while others were assessed through basic visual inspections. However, repeated incidents of partial and full building collapses during the monsoon have highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach.

By auditing all 13,091 cessed buildings, MHADA aims to identify structural risks early and prevent loss of life and property. The exercise is part of a broader safety push as the authority also encourages redevelopment of old and unsafe structures across the city.

Lessons From Previous Audits

Ahead of the 2025 monsoon, MHADA conducted structural audits of around 1,000 cessed buildings. Based on those findings, 96 buildings were declared too dangerous for residents. Many more buildings, which were only visually inspected, may not have been assessed accurately. The upcoming citywide audit is expected to give a clearer and more reliable picture of building conditions.

How the Audit Will Be Conducted

Once the model code of conduct ends, MHADA will invite bids to appoint structural consultants for the project. Around four agencies are expected to be selected to complete the audits within two to three months. Buildings that already show signs of severe deterioration will be taken up on priority.

The total cost of the exercise is estimated at around ₹40 crore. Depending on size and number of tenements, the audit cost could be up to ₹90,000 per building. After completion, the number of buildings classified as dangerous or extremely dangerous is expected to rise sharply.

Impact on Redevelopment Plans

MHADA has been urging landowners and tenants to redevelop unsafe cessed buildings and has also initiated steps to acquire redevelopment rights where required. In recent years, notices were issued to several dangerous buildings, particularly in south Mumbai. While some redevelopment plans were delayed due to legal challenges, redevelopment is now allowed subject to majority consent.

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Conclusion

By launching a citywide structural audit of all cessed buildings, MHADA is taking a stronger and more proactive approach to public safety. The move is expected to improve preparedness ahead of the monsoon and accelerate redevelopment of unsafe buildings, making Mumbai’s ageing housing stock safer for residents.

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