The Hindu              12.07.2013

Old buildings under scanner

The GVMC, in a preliminary survey, has identified 375 buildings in a bad condition.

The condition of old buildings came under the scanner with the collapse of a hotel in the State Capital, which claimed 17 lives.

After this incident, the GVMC Town Planning wing deployed its personnel for a physical verification, and the present assessment was based on the appearance and use of the buildings.

Two buildings, however, had become the focus of attention on Thursday. They were the Queen Mary’s Girls High School in the One Town area, one of the oldest buildings in the city, and Andhra University Women’s Hostel on the Beach Road.

Municipal Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana, who visited the 181-year-old building asked the headmistress why such an old building should not be demolished.

The building was under the control of the R& B Department and, hence, a decision should come from them, he was told.

The Commissioner asked Assistant City Planner Rehman to speak to the R&B officials and take a decision.

After visiting old buildings in Zone III, including Purna Market, Kurupam Market, Post Office area, he visited the Beach Road, where the AU Women’s Hostel was located. He said the hostel building also should be demolished.

Sources in the GVMC said that among the list of dilapidated buildings identified, those presently unoccupied and being used for stocking, for shelter by destitute persons or for parking vehicles would be taken up for demolition. This will also create awareness among those using other such buildings.

The list would be referred to the GVMC Engineering Department to evaluate their condition, after which a decision on demolition would be taken.

However, with regard to the women’s hostel, a letter had to be written to the Registrar seeking his opinion, or whether he would make alternative arrangements before a decision on its demolition could be taken.

Top on list

Queen Mary’s Girls High School in One Town and AU Women’s Hostel on Beach Road attract Commissioner’s attention

R&B Department has to take a decision on the school, as the building is under its control

The hostel building too should be demolished, says Municipal Commissioner

Among the list of dilapidated structures, those presently unoccupied to be demolished first