Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 350 additional dilapidated houses across the capital city in a month, with 10 of them labelled ‘extremely dangerous.’
Despite the grave risk these structures pose, no massive on-ground demolition work has been initiated yet. According to officials, BMC’s Mechanical Department has issued evacuation notices to occupants of these buildings, urging them to vacate immediately to avoid potential tragedies during the ongoing monsoon season.
However, civic officials admitted that the corporation still lacks a comprehensive database of other crumbling structures such as boundary walls and tin sheds, which are equally vulnerable. Officials said that identification and demolition of such structures is an ongoing process.
All 21 zones of BMC have submitted detailed reports on unsafe structures in their areas. However, the corporation has admitted that it lacks comprehensive data on other crumbling structures.
The recent deaths and injuries caused by crumbling structures have prompted urgent action. Just days ago, a man lost his life after being buried under the debris of an abandoned building near the Old MLA Rest House. In another incident, a wall collapsed near Aastha Hospital at Jawahar Chowk, injuring a passer-by.
Taking a lesson from these tragic incidents, BMC has intensified its inspection and evacuation efforts. Health staff in affected areas are also monitoring extremely dilapidated buildings to prevent further mishap.
Civic officials warn that if residents fail to vacate, a major accident could occur. The Mechanical Department has stressed on swift compliance with evacuation notices to ensure public safety during the ongoing monsoon season.
‘Efforts to ensure prompt evacuation underway’
Superintendent Engineer (SE) Subodh Jain of the Mechanical Department stated that efforts are underway to ensure that residents of the most dangerous buildings are moved out promptly.
‘Our first priority is to evacuate families living in extremely dilapidated structures, especially with heavy rains posing a serious risk,’ Jain said. He added that the corporation will also identify and collect data of other dilapidated structures.
