A recent incident at Mumbai University’s (MU) Kalina campus has raised serious safety concerns after a cement slab collapsed in the sports complex during a volleyball match. The collapse, which occurred in the multipurpose hall on Saturday, has led to calls for a thorough structural audit of the facility, with several authorities and concerned parties pushing for immediate action.
The incident took place during an inter-school and junior college volleyball match. Fortunately, the players were at a safe distance from the collapse, and no injuries were reported. Despite the scare, university officials quickly clarified that the entire cement slab did not collapse. Instead, a portion of it fell due to the loosening of bricks from a nearby wall. However, the event highlighted significant issues regarding the building’s structural integrity.
The multipurpose hall, known for its maplewood flooring, has raised further concerns due to signs of neglect and deterioration. Yuva Sena members, who visited the site following the incident, pointed out that some of the hall’s wooden flooring strips had been replaced with cheaper materials, compromising the overall quality. Additionally, plaster has been peeling off in various areas, further signaling the building’s disrepair.
Pradeep Sawant, a Senate member of MU and a leader of Yuva Sena, emphasized the need for accountability regarding the repairs and maintenance done in June and July 2024. Sawant and his party members are calling for the contractor responsible for the repairs to be held accountable. “The structural integrity of the complex was questioned on Saturday, which caused panic among students. Although no spectators or players were near the affected area, the incident still posed a serious concern for the safety of everyone using the facility,” Sawant said.
In response to the collapse, Sawant, along with Senate members Shashikant Jhore and Mayur Panchal, visited the site. They noted that parents and children were present in the area at the time, raising the alarm about the potential risk to public safety. The incident has sparked a larger discussion about the overall state of the sports complex, with many now demanding an urgent structural audit to ensure that the building is safe for use.
This collapse follows previous concerns about the sports complex, which has long been marketed as a world-class facility. The recent deterioration of the hall’s infrastructure raises questions about the university’s commitment to maintaining its amenities, especially those used for student activities and community events.
As the university works to assess the situation, the calls for a detailed inspection of the sports complex are becoming louder. The structural audit, if implemented, could be the first step toward ensuring that such incidents do not happen again and that the safety of students, faculty, and visitors is given the priority it deserves.
The collapse of the cement slab at Mumbai University’s sports complex has certainly cast a shadow over the university’s infrastructure and raised important questions regarding the upkeep of public facilities. With the university under scrutiny, the demand for a full audit and prompt corrective measures continues to grow.
