As the monsoon season is near, the condition of many of the rotting buildings in the city is worrying. A number of people have complained about the municipal corporation not having started the work of identifying unsafe buildings and tagging them yet, with fears of possible accidents.
It’s noted that many vintage and decrepit structures have been found to pose a significant risk to people’s safety. Now, walls and structures are deteriorating and becoming potential death traps, particularly with the advent of strong winds and stormy weather.
The municipal corporation began a survey and marking of unsafe buildings about the same time last year. Those efforts failed to prevent several old buildings from collapsing during monsoons, thus damaging and panicking local residents.
None has been done this year, residents say, though such an exercise has been underway in recent years. They are concerned that such a delay could result in serious consequences if nothing is done right now. Old and neglected buildings grow less stable over time as they age, and are easily affected by heavy rains and strong winds, say experts.
The locals have appealed to the municipal corporation to immediately conduct a survey of unsafe buildings, mark unsafe buildings, and take preventive measures before the monsoon hits them. They have also urged giving notice to the owners of the properties and have asked for their hazardous structures to be pulled down or put up for repair immediately.
Meanwhile, people are bracing for what they call a possible accident any time soon, with high winds already sweeping the area, unless the authorities are quick enough.