Kerala - Kochi   

Unsafe buildings pose a threat

KOCHI: Unsafe buildings stand tall in the city, posing a threat to lives even as the city Corporation turns a blind eye to the situation.

Four months have passed since an old building near the Boat Jetty collapsed, killing two migrant labourers and injuring several others who were inside the building at the time of the accident.

The old building crumbled on September 13 last year following heavy rain.

The Corporation, following the accident, directed the Town Planning Officer to prepare a list of old structures and those in a dangerous condition in the city. However, no action was taken.

The Town Planning Committee has not received any report on unsafe buildings though the Town Planning Officer was asked to prepare one, E.M. Sunilkumar, chairman of the Committee, said.

He admitted that the Corporation could not do much on the issue.

The civic authorities had earlier maintained that they had served notices on owners of nearly 60 old buildings for their demolition as they were in a dangerous condition. But the ownership of several buildings had changed and many were embroiled in litigations, defeating the action of the civic authorities, it was argued.

Jose Michel, Town Planning Officer, said nearly 10 unsafe buildings were identified during inspections held after the accident.

There were a few unsafe buildings in the Fort Kochi area, one at Kacheripady near Asir Bhavan and another near the Valanjambalam temple. There was an old building near the Corporation office too, he said.

Mr. Michel said the Corporation had not taken action against any building since the accident as the monsoon was over. The Corporation would take necessary action before the next monsoon season, he said.

On the statement of the Town Planning Committee chairman that the committee has not received any report on unsafe buildings, Mr. Michel said he would check whether files related to the buildings were pending with the department.

Following the Boat Jetty accident, the Assistant Executive Engineers of the Corporation were asked to inspect the buildings in their respective areas and report the matter to the Town Planning Committee.

A final decision on demolishing the buildings should be taken by the committee, Mr. Michel said.

The officials of the Corporation cannot take a decision on demolishing the old buildings as it may lead to several complaints.

In a large number of cases, the tenant and the landlord may be involved in litigation and the officials cannot act without the consent of the civic administrators, Mr. Michel said.

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