Lives of hundreds of people in 1,457 dilapidated buildings at risk

Surat: Hundreds of people have put their lives to risk by continuing to live in 1,457 dilapidated buildings and another 120-odd sites deemed dangerous in the Diamond City despite several notices by Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) asking them to vacate their houses immediately. Monsoon fear has gripped the authorities because many of these buildings would not be able to withstand the imperious rain.
Professor SN Desai, member of faculty in Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, told TOI, “At least 100 residential apartments and commercial complexes approach us for structural stability certificates every year. Majority of these structures need major overhaul as they were built 30 years ago. Not even half of them get renovation done as per our suggestions.”
During the last two years, people of 1,508 properties were issued notices for repairs and those in nearly 2,963 properties were asked either to demolish them or carry out major repairs. The compliance ratio is 52% for basic repairs and 50% for demolition or major overhaul.
Surat has witnessed collapse of six old properties in last one year. Besides, two persons were killed in wall collapse and cave-in at new construction sites at three places in the last two months. There are at least 250 properties in the city that need immediate attention.
Municipal commissioner M Thennarasan told TOI, “We regularly issue notices to people with regard to dilapidated properties. The rate of compliance is not more than 50% in the city. Some people carry out basic renovation work and don’t care about structural stability of their buildings. This could prove dangerous in the monsoon season.”
Takshashila Arcade incident forces civic officials to act tough
Melvyn.ReggieThomas & HimasshuBhatt
Surat: Surat Municipal Corporation authorities have started taking strict action against the owners of dilapidated properties. They have also warned citizens that non-compliance with rules puts the onus on builders, contractors and them if anything untoward happens.
Takshashila Arcade fire incident in which 22 young people lost their lives in the city in May has compelled the local authorities to act tough against illegal structures. Officials of different municipal zones had demolished illegally built portions in over 10,000 buildings within 24 hours of the tragic incident.
Municipal commissioner M Thennarasan told TOI, “We have decided to take strict action against those who do not comply with notices of repair, reconstruction or evacuation. We have made certain compliances mandatory even at construction sites, and will hold contractors, owners and residents of such apartments responsible if anything untoward happens.”
“We have 40-year-old tenements at Maan Darwaja. We have decided to redevelop the place and provide tenement owners newly built houses. Government rule is flexible now and hence we will be able to redevelop the tenements,” he added.
The civic body will be targeting dilapidated buildings within a few days again. SMC officers collect huge fines from the owners of the properties where demolition has been carried out.
A Katargam-based builder, who didn’t want his name to be published, said, “Civic officials demolished my RCC structure on the fifth floor and collected Rs2 lakh as administrative charges from me.”
Immediate Repairs
Properties that require immediate repairs: 1,508
Notices issued for immediate repairs: 1,508
Properties either repaired or under repair: 823
Properties demolished: 51
Properties that remain to be repaired: 634
Major Renovation
Properties that require major renovation or needs to be demolished: 2,963
Notices issued for major renovation or demolition: 2,963
Properties undergoing overhaul: 19
Properties demolished: 1,487
Properties that will be demolished: 1,457
TIMES VIEW
The city abounds in illegal constructions and dilapidated buildings. The violation of the law has happened in connivance with civic officials. Drastic step against corrupt officials and builders needs to be taken and risky structures demolished because human lives matter.