A tragic incident struck Maharashtra on May 20, 2025, when a portion of a residential building collapsed in Kalyan, killing at least six people and injuring four others. The accident occurred in the Saptashrungi Building, located in the Patel Compound area near the railway station.
This shocking event has once again highlighted the urgent need for structural audits, building safety compliance, and stricter urban planning regulations in India's rapidly growing cities.
📍 What Happened in Kalyan?
According to local authorities, a slab on the second floor of the building suddenly collapsed at around 10:30 PM while residents were inside their homes. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire brigade, rushed to the scene to carry out rescue and relief operations.
“The structure was decades old and had received multiple notices for repair. Initial inspection suggests poor maintenance and structural degradation,” said a Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) official.
🚑 Casualties and Rescue Efforts
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Fatalities: 6 confirmed dead, including 2 children.
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Injuries: 4 individuals rescued with critical injuries and shifted to Rukminibai Hospital.
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Rescue Time: The entire operation lasted over 5 hours, involving the use of thermal sensors, concrete cutters, and canine units.
Emergency responders are being praised for their swift action, which prevented further casualties despite the building’s fragile condition.
🧱 Why Did the Building Collapse?
Preliminary findings suggest the following factors:
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Old construction (35+ years) with no recent structural audit.
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Negligence by building society in carrying out repairs.
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Possible water leakage and rusted iron reinforcements leading to slab failure.
Despite repeated warnings, residents reportedly continued to live in the premises due to lack of affordable alternatives, a common issue in suburban Mumbai.
⚠️ Urban Housing Crisis: A Bigger Issue
The Kalyan building collapse is not an isolated case. It reflects deeper issues such as:
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Aging infrastructure in satellite towns like Kalyan, Thane, and Dombivli.
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Delays in redevelopment projects due to legal disputes or lack of funding.
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Overcrowding and poor maintenance in middle-income housing.
According to Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), more than 3,000 buildings in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are classified as “dangerous” or “unfit for habitation.”
🏗️ What Needs to Change?
To prevent future tragedies, experts suggest:
✅ Mandatory Annual Structural Audits
Government must enforce stricter timelines and compliance reporting for all buildings older than 20 years.
✅ Speeding Up Redevelopment Projects
Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to fast-track reconstruction of old buildings with better safety features.
✅ Rent Relief & Temporary Housing
State governments must provide temporary housing or rent support to residents forced to vacate unsafe buildings.
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🗣️ Final Thoughts
The Kalyan building collapse is more than just a tragic headline — it is a call to action. With rapid urbanization, it is imperative for city planners, municipal authorities, and residents to prioritize building safety over short-term convenience.
Every life lost to preventable disasters like this is a reminder that urban safety must be non-negotiable.
📅 Updated: May 21, 2025
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