Tensions escalated on Monday morning at the Haaji Noorani building near Elphinstone bridge in Parel as officials from the electrical wing of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) reached the spot to disconnect the building’s electricity supply. Terming the structure unsafe, the officials claimed they were acting on orders from Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).

“We received notice from the Mumbai Building Repairs & Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) wing of MHADA on June 20 this year, and accordingly, we sent our officials to act on the same. This notice has no connection with the redevelopment of the Elphinstone bridge. The notice [a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession] states that, as per the structural audit report submitted by PG Yevlekar on March 29 this year to the MBRRB, the building has been issued a C1 category notice which states that it can collapse at any moment and thus needs to be vacated on an immediate basis and also should be demolished. 

Haaji Noorani building, which was earmarked for demolition as part of the Elphinstone Road bridge redevelopment project, in Parel. FILE PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI