Building Collapse in Ramabai: Authority Figures Shift Responsibility as the Query Over 17 Fatalities in Virar Persists
In the bustling city of Virar, a tragic incident unfolded this month as the Ramabai Apartment, an unauthorized construction, came crashing down, taking the lives of 17 residents.
The builder of the apartment, Nittal Sane, has been accused of constructing the building without approval and using inferior quality material. Sane was arrested under culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and investigations are now underway under multiple sections.
According to officials from the Virar-Vasai Municipal Corporation (VVMC), structural audits are mandatory every 30 years or earlier if there is visible damage or complaints. However, no report was submitted, nor was any engineer's audit carried out for the Ramabai Apartment.
The collapse occurred just after a child's first birthday celebration in the building, leaving entire families, such as the Jovils and Nivadkars, wiped out in seconds.
The narrow road leading to the site, with two more buildings blocking access, made rescue operations particularly challenging. Only after demolishing 10-12 nearby chawl houses could the machines be moved in, which slowed down the rescue efforts.
Local leaders have alleged a builder-official nexus behind the mushrooming of such illegal and unsafe constructions. They argue that responsibility goes beyond just the builder, and action should have been taken at the construction stage.
The VVMC's Municipal Commissioner, M.M. Suryawanshi, did not respond to calls seeking comment. Gilson Gonsalves, VVMC assistant commissioner, who joined only five months ago, distanced himself from responsibility for the unauthorized building.
Unfortunately, the Ramabai Apartment collapse is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of dilapidated and unauthorized buildings still house thousands of residents in Vasai-Virar. The collapse in Nalasopara's Alkapuri area, just a few days ago, serves as another grim reminder of this ongoing issue.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that allow such unauthorized constructions to flourish. The responsibility for investigating and demolishing such buildings lies with local municipal authorities and urban development agencies. It is hoped that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for change and ensure the safety of all residents in the future.
