Civic report blames rain for Bhiwandi building collapse

The local civic administration and the District Collectorate, in their report, have blamed heavy rainfall for the collapse of a 35-year-old dilapidated building in Bhiwandi. As many as nine people were killed in the incident while 22 were injured.

The report sent by the District Collector has cited that in 24 hours, 175mm rainfall was reported in the region. As per the state government rules, in the event of such an accident, a minimum of 65mm rainfall should be recorded for the victims to claim compensation.

Seemingly shrugging off the fact that it failed to evacuate the dilapidated building in Gaibi Nagar, the state government is now mulling over the compensation process.

"Now, 17 other buildings will be demolished and residents will be provided temporary shelter. When the buildings are taken up for re-development, we will make sure the residents are rehabilitated," said Anil Dongre, deputy municipal commissioner, Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation.

"We had already served notices to the Kabir building residents twice. A few families had shifted before the collapse but others had failed to vacate," said Dongre.

A senior civic official said, "After the state government provides compensation, we would be able to provide relief and rehabilitation to residents." Meanwhile, Imtiaz Shaikh, a resident, said, "If we are rehabilitated, we will only suffer."

Guardian minister Eknath Shinde, too, has urged the state government to provide compensation to family members of the deceased and the injured.