Gurugram: What caused building collapse? 5-member panel to investigate

GURUGRAM: The district administration has formed a five-member committee to investigate the reasons for the building collapse in Udyog Vihar, in which two labourers were killed and two others injured.
The committee, which will be headed by the sub-divisional-magistrate (SDM), will not only probe the causes of the collapse but also give suggestions to avoid such incidents in the future. The committee will also help the families of the two deceased workers to get compensation under various government schemes.
Deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav announced the formation of the committee after visiting the site of the collapse. “Six workers were engaged in dismantling the building. Two workers were at a distance while the remaining four were inside the building when it came crashing down,” he said.
Yadav said that apart from the SDM, officials from the labour department, PWD and HSIIDC will be in the committee. “The investigation report of the committee will identify the persons responsible for the building collapse. Based on that, we will take action,” the DC said.
In case of accidents at work, labourers are entitled to compensation under different schemes. For instance, one who has worked at construction sites for at least 90 days can be registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Registration needs to be renewed every year for a fee of Rs 25. This is applicable only for sites with 10 or more workers.
The registered worker’s family gets an instant assistance of Rs 5 lakh in the case of death at the construction site. Those who are not registered are entitled for Rs 2.5 lakh assistance.
In addition, workers also get compensation under the Workman Compensation Act. The department of town and country planning collects 1% cess at the time of approving building plans. The amount collected is utilised for paying an instant assistance in the case of fatal accidents and for the welfare of workers.