MC not serious on unsafe buildings

The municipal corporation (MC) is waiting for a disaster to take place as it has failed to take action against unsafe buildings in the city. Despite sending notices to violators since 2009, no action was taken against many of the unsafe buildings.

The municipal corporation (MC) is waiting for a disaster to take place as it has failed to take action against unsafe buildings in the city. Despite sending notices to violators since 2009, no action was taken against many of the unsafe buildings.

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The MC had received 67 complaints about “unsafe” buildings and it had sent 31 notices to the people concerned to vacate and demolish these buildings.
According to the MC, out of 67 buildings of Zone A, nine unsafe buildings needed repair. Thirty-one notices were issued to vacate and demolish unsafe buildings. In 25 cases, the MC found that they were sub judice regarding “unsafe” disputed buildings. However, the MC had taken action to demolish only two buildings. Besides, there are only two unsafe buildings in Zones D and C.

Interestingly, many of the unsafe buildings are disputed properties and cases were pending in court. According to MC officials, the owners generally make a complaint about their own building when tenants do not vacate the property. According to sources, similar complaints came to the light during sangat darshan also.

“There is a need to conduct a survey to check all old buildings in the city. It has been seen that the MC takes steps only after getting a complaint, rather it should check other old buildings and take action,” said Manjit Singh, Durgi resident.

When contacted, assistant town planner (headquarters) Kamaljeet Kaur said, “Many complaints regarding unsafe buildings are of disputed properties. We also found that some cases are pending in courts regarding disputed properties. If any building is found unsafe, we are issuing notices to them also. We will take required action as per law.”