The Times of India 18.06.2013
Pune Municipal Corporation issues notice to builder
PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Monday served notices to the builder, architect and structural engineer of the building at Dattawadi
area whose retaining wall collapsed on Sunday killing three women. The
civic body has also planned action against the officials, who gave
permissions to the building.
"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.
