Barely a month after shifting into their long-awaited new homes, several residents of the redeveloped BDD Chawl in central Mumbai have been left shaken after alleged multiple incidents of doorbell explosions in the premises.
While no injuries were reported, the incidents have sparked fear and fear among the residents, who now question the safety standards of the newly constructed buildings by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
According to residents, at least two flats in one of the newly occupied towers experienced small blasts in their doorbell units over the past week.
“We suddenly heard a loud popping sound and saw smoke coming out from near the doorbell machine placed in our living room. The doorbell machine was completely burnt. Thankfully, no one was near the switchboard when it happened,” said Akshay Appa Patil.
Akshay Appa Patil. Pic/Special Arrangement by Ritika Gondhalekar
Adding further, Sanjay Bidla, another resident who claimed to having faced a similar issue, told mid-day, “A few days back, we conducted a pooja at our new home. One of our relatives’ daughters rang the bell and, immediately two minutes after that, there was a blast in the doorbell machine. The entire unit burnt, leaving smoke and black marks. By God’s grace, no one was hurt or electrocuted.”
Local electricians, called in by the residents to assess the situation, have reportedly blamed faulty wiring for the mishap.
“The internal wiring seems poorly executed. The voltage fluctuation is high, and the doorbell systems are not properly grounded, which can cause short circuits or sparks. Also, the buttons installed for the doorbell are not proper as they get stuck once someone rings them, which leads to such blasts,” said an electrician who inspected one of the affected flats.
Bell that allegedly exploded. Pic/Special Arrangement by Ritika Gondhalekar
Residents have demanded that MHADA and the contractor responsible for construction conduct an immediate inspection and repair the electrical fittings across all flats.
“It is shocking that within weeks of moving in, we’re already facing such dangerous problems. MHADA must take accountability before a major accident occurs. We faced the same issue with our tube lights as well. The buttons trip and even the geyser switch trips,” said Patil.
MHADA officials, when contacted, stated that they have received complaints and will initiate a technical review. “Our engineers will visit the site to check the wiring and safety of electrical systems. Necessary corrective measures will be taken at the earliest,” an official assured.
While residents had celebrated the long-awaited redevelopment that promised safer and modern homes, these recent incidents have left them anxious.
