Mumbai: A flat at the MLA hostel, Manora, was damaged when its ceiling partially collapsed on Monday, exposing the poor quality of construction. The flat had been allotted to Dr. Satish Patil, the NCP legislator from Erandol Assembly constituency. No one was in the flat at the time.
Faced with a barrage of questions about the incident during the ongoing monsoon session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Assembly that Manora was poorly constructed and needs to be rebuilt. Leader of opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and NCP leader Ajit Pawar questioned the sub-standard construction. “It is dangerous to live in such a building. I appeal to the State government to provide an allowance of at least ₹one lakh per month to help the occupants find a new place on rent in south Mumbai till new accommodation is found.” Mr. Pawar said.
Satish Patil, who has effectively been rendered homeless in the city, sought the Speaker’s permission to spend the night in the Assembly building. “This House discusses the dangerous situation at Manora during every session, but no action is taken. Who will discuss the issue if we lose our lives?”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat said 158 MLAs are living in the MLA hostel. “250 flats built by the Public Works Department are ready. We can check if flats are available for rent in the vicinity.”
Mr. Fadnavis said, "I am aware of Manora and its condition. It is true that construction quality is poor, and we cannot repair it further. I will hold a meeting today and try to find alternative accommodation for the MLAs.” He added that a MHADA building in Lalbaug is ready and can be used to accommodate the MLAs temporarily.
