Fifteen years after being forced to vacate their homes, tenants of Ramchandra Building, opposite GT Hospital in South Mumbai, say they are still battling official apathy, bureaucratic delays, and what they allege is deliberate inaction by their landlord, even as parts of the structure continue to collapse.

The building was declared unsafe in 2011 after a major portion gave way, prompting authorities to immediately evacuate residents. However, no rehabilitation plan, transit accommodation, or rent compensation was provided. “Since then, 35 families have been living in rented homes, bearing the financial and emotional burden of displacement for the last 15 years,” said Jagdeep Sambhwani, secretary of the dilapidated structure.