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British-era structures may fall anytime
The sporadic building collapse incidents during the rainy season has become quite a common phenomenon. There are more than 1,200 dilapidated buildings of the British era in East Godavari district.
Kakinada: The sporadic building collapse incidents during the rainy season has become quite a common phenomenon. There are more than 1,200 dilapidated buildings of the British era in East Godavari district. Though the municipal authorities serve notices on the owners just before the commencement of the rainy season every year asking them to demolish the structures voluntarily, they continue to exist posing a grave threat to
There are not only private buildings, but also several government offices, which are in a dilapidated state. The slab of the age-old collectorate building also developed cracks. Buildings of the treasury, registration and revenue departments and courts are among the list of dilapidated structures. Many structures of Pithapuram Maharaja College are also in ruins.
According to an estimate, there are about 200 dilapidated buildings in Kakinada and 400 in Rajahmundry which may collapse if incessant rain lashes the district. Actually, many dilapidated structures were demolished in Kakinada and Rajahmundry for widening of the main road and execution of Godavari Pushkaram works. Otherwise, the number of dilapidated structures in the two major towns of the district might be high.
The municipal authorities used to warn the building owners of stern action whenever a dilapidated house collapses claiming innocent lives. Later, they conveniently ignore the matter, said a resident. The Kakinada Municipal Corporation (KMC) urged the civil engineering department of JNTUK to assess the strength of several age old buildings in the town to take up a demolition drive. According to municipal corporation authorities, the assessment costs a lot. Some more dilapidated buildings are involved in court cases.
Speaking to The Hans India, district BJP president Malakondaiah underlined the need to take up a special drive in the town to remove the dilapidated structures as the building owners would never demolish them voluntarily. Echoing the same view, former corporator Kumar said the municipal authorities should act tough on the issue to prevent the loss of life in building collapse incidents.
Municipal Commissioner Aleem Basha said: “We crack a whip on owners of the dilapidated structures for their failure to respond to demolition notices of the KMC.’’City Planner Sheikh Kalesha said: ``A demolition drive will be taken up soon after conducting a survey of the dilapidated structures to ensure the safety of people.’’
