With the monsoon season set to arrive in Nagpur, hundreds of families living in or near unsafe structures continue to face significant risks. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has identified 278 dilapidated buildings and houses across the city for the 2025-26 period, but only 67 have been demolished so far.
Data Reveals Widespread Hazard
Data compiled by the civic body's fire and emergency services department shows that a large number of hazardous structures remain standing, raising concerns over public safety during the rainy season. The highest concentration was reported in the Gandhibagh zone, where 137 buildings were declared unsafe. However, only 21 have been demolished, while action remains pending in 108 cases and four appeals are under consideration, according to information shared by Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahte.
Zonal Enforcement Disparities
The Sataranjipura zone recorded the most extensive enforcement, with 23 of the 30 identified structures demolished. In contrast, the Ashi Nagar and Mangalwari zones, where 13 and 10 unsafe buildings were identified respectively, have reported neither demolition nor the issuance of notices. The Dharampeth zone identified 17 dangerous structures and demolished six, while four houses were vacated as a precautionary measure. The Dhantoli zone razed nine of its 21 unsafe buildings. In Nehru Nagar, only two demolitions have been carried out despite 14 structures being declared dilapidated, while 11 have undergone repairs.
Challenges and Delays
Officials said that action in several cases has been delayed by court proceedings, ownership disputes, and non-compliance by property owners. Activists have questioned whether the pace of enforcement is sufficient to avert potential building collapses and safeguard residents. The zone-wise status of dilapidated and dangerous buildings in Nagpur for 2025-26 is as follows: Laxmi Nagar (19 identified), Dharampeth (17), Hanuman Nagar (4), Dhantoli (21), Nehru Nagar (14), Gandhibagh (137), Sataranjipura (30), Lakadganj (13), Ashi Nagar (13), and Mangalwari (10). Citywide, a total of 278 dangerous buildings were identified, with 247 notices issued, 67 demolished, and 33 repaired.
As the monsoon approaches, the NMC faces mounting pressure to accelerate demolition and repair work to prevent tragedies. The situation remains critical, with many families still residing in or near these unsafe structures.
