"Show-cause notices have been served to the builder, architect and the structural engineer. They have been asked to provide an explanation as to how the wall collapsed within three days of its construction," said Sudhir Kadam, executive engineer of PMC's building department, while speaking to reporters.

 

The PMC had given part-completion certificate to the building. When asked why the officials concerned did not check the quality of work of the retaining wall during inspection, Kadam said that the concerned officials will be questioned by the PMC.

 

"The matter has now been sent to the vigilance department. The department will check the project file and issue notices to officials concerned. They will be asked for an explanation about permissions given. Necessary action will be taken against those found guilty," he said.

 

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the PMC stated that the wall collapsed due to "structural failure," and the administration has given a deadline of three days to explain the reason for the same.

 

"The wall was old and it was the responsibility of the developer, architect and structural auditor to check the quality of the construction. As per development control rules, even if civic administration officials make the survey and give permission, the ultimate responsibility of the structural safety is with the developer," the statement added.

 

Three women were killed when the retaining wall of a newly-built housing society came crashing down near Dattawadi on Sinhagad Road on Sunday night. Police said the wall was weakened due to continuous rain that lashed the city over the weekend.

 

Committee to probe Shindewadi tragedy

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Monday said that an inquiry committee has been set up by the home ministry to probe the death of a woman and her one-and-half-year-old daughter who were washed away in rain water in Shindewadi on June 6.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the function in the city, Chavan said, "The state will conduct detailed inquiry of the incident. Once the committee submits its report, the guilty will be punished."

 

Chavan said that the state is ready with a disaster management plan for monsoon. "Waterlogging is a major problem in cities like Mumbai and Pune during monsoon. In order to deal with it, an international-level company has been contracted to find solutions to water-logging problem in Mumbai. Similar plans can be made for Pune."

 

Chavan further added, "Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force will also be alerted in future during when incidents such as Shindewadi occur."

 

CM takes a dig at PMC

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Monday criticized the functioning of the municipal corporation. "I can understand how much problem you (the Foundation) must have faced while constructing this building. I know how much pains it takes to get completion and no-objection certificates from the corporation," Chavan said while speaking at a function organized by the S M Joshi Foundation to inaugurate 'activist training centre' on Monday. Municipal commissioner Mahesh Pathak was present in the audience while the citizens present at the function acknowledged Chavan's statement with an applause.