Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made it mandatory for all buildings older than 30 years to undergo a structural audit. The move comes after a civic survey for 2024–25 flagged 527 buildings as unsafe for habitation, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of residents and workers occupying these ageing premises.
Officials stated that under Section 265(A) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, a structural audit is compulsory for all buildings that have been in use for more than three decades. These assessments must be conducted by civil or structural engineers registered with the NMMC. Property owners are also required to submit a completion certificate issued by the appointed engineer, verifying that the recommended repairs have been executed and the structure is now deemed safe.
According to the civic body, the age of a building is calculated from the date it was first occupied or brought into use, not merely from its construction date. The policy aims to ensure that older buildings, which may be vulnerable to structural wear and tear, do not pose a hazard to public safety.NMMC has invoked provisions under Sections 264(1) to 264(4) of the Act to classify the identified 527 buildings as hazardous. These include both residential and institutional structures, many of which are located in high-density urban zones. In a bid to encourage swift compliance, the civic body has uploaded a list of registered engineers on its official website, making it easier for property owners and housing societies to engage qualified professionals.
Failure to comply with the audit directive could attract penalties under Section 398(A), with a fine of ₹25,000 or an amount equivalent to the property’s annual tax—whichever is greater. NMMC officials have further warned that individuals or organisations continuing to occupy buildings deemed unsafe will be held fully responsible in the event of any mishap.With a firm September 2025 deadline in place, property owners are expected to submit audit reports to the respective Assistant Commissioner, Departmental Officer, or the Assistant Director of Urban Planning. The NMMC’s approach not only reinforces public safety measures but also sets a precedent for proactive risk management in rapidly growing urban areas.
Navi Mumbai, known for its planned infrastructure, is now facing the challenge of ageing housing stock. Several buildings constructed during the early expansion of the city in the 1980s and 1990s are now approaching or exceeding the 30-year mark. Without regular inspection and maintenance, these structures could become liabilities in the face of extreme weather, seismic risks, or simple design fatigue.Urban planners and safety experts have welcomed the NMMC’s decision as a necessary intervention to prevent avoidable tragedies. By mandating professional assessments and holding stakeholders accountable, the civic administration is underlining the urgent need for sustainable building management.
As cities across India wrestle with questions of urban resilience, Navi Mumbai’s structural audit mandate offers a replicable model. It places civic responsibility on both the administration and property owners to protect lives, assets, and the broader urban ecosystem. In a city poised for further vertical growth, safety must form the foundation of development.
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