The Hindu 22.11.2010
Experts to examine other unsafe buildings in East Delhi
Staff Reporter
| MCD initiates demolition action in Shakurpur JJ Colony |
NEW DELHI: The purview of the experts from the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, roped in by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to examine the technical aspects of the collapsed building at Lalita Park in Laxmi Nagar here this past week and survey other unsafe buildings in the area to ascertain their condition is likely to be extended to include other areas in East Delhi as well.
The combined teams of CBRI, Roorkee, and MCD had carried out a joint survey of the collapsed building over the weekend and also collected samples of material used. The teams also visited other sealed and vacated buildings constructed by the same builder. The basement of the collapsed building was also thoroughly de-watered under the supervision of experts.
MCD spokesperson Deep Mathur said: “The CBRI experts are examining the matter and going into the various technical aspects. The team feels that it needs a few more days to study the structural aspects of the collapsed building and 36 other buildings sealed in Lalita Park. The team would examine if retrofitting is required in certain buildings to make them structurally safe. They will continue to study the matter for few more days and then submit its report to MCD for further action.” Meanwhile, the MCD initiated demolition action in three buildings in Shakurpur JJ Colony near Saraswati Vihar falling in Rohini Zone after they developed cracks and became dangerous. The buildings were vacated over the weekend keeping in view the safety of occupants. Six more premises are facing demolition action in the area and sealing notices have also been issued to another six properties for the same reasons. Mr. Mathur said: “The residents were asked to immediately vacate these buildings. The reasons for the cracks are being examined. In Najafgarh Zone too a number of buildings faced demolition action. A building at Mahavir Enclave had tilted posing danger to the lives of the occupants so we got it vacated. Demolition action was carried out over the weekend on its third and fourth floors and further demolition would continue.” The civic body had earlier ordered an internal vigilance probe and asked the Chief Vigilance Officer to submit a comprehensive report on the Lalita Park incident within a period of four days. However the deadline has been extended in view of the CVO request citing the “complexities" involved in the matter.
