Panel headed by IAS officer to probe Ghatkopar’s 4-storey house collapse
DILAPIDATED STRUCTURES New module to permit structural audit through online means
The state government has initiated an inquiry into Ghatkopar building mishap incident. A committee of BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials has been set up to probe this accident. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told BMC that a senior officer from Indian Administrative Services (IAS) will head this committee. Fadnavis assured action against anyone found responsible for negligence. “A case of culpable homicide will be registered,” said Fadnavis. Meanwhile, in order to avoid illegal changes in building structures henceforth, the BMC has developed a module to give online permissions in a specific period based on inspection.
The Ghatkopar mishap was discussed in both Upper and Lower House of the state legislature on Wednesday. Ajit Pawar, leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) demanded Haribhau Bagade, speaker of the Assembly to allow discussion set aside question hour. He appealed Bagade with emotions as the victims of the housing society are not close relatives of any member of the House and hence, the ruling party opposing the debate on mishap. The opposition disrupted the proceeding of the House and Bagade adjourned it for four times. Later, more than 21 legislators of ruling and opposition expressed their concerns and demanded stringent action against the culprit. They demanded that the state bring a policy to avoid such incidents in future.
In his reply, the Chief Minister clarified that the Ground plus four floor (G+4) Siddhi-Sai housing society was not dilapidated. The state and BMC will try to redevelop the building with speed to ensure the people can shift to their own flat. Fadnavis announced that structural audit for all buildings which have completed 30 years will be mandatory from henceforth.
Taking cognizance of various suggestions by the members, Fadnavis said, people do not get permission for structural changes in their own premises from Corporations. Hence, there are common tendency of doing it illegally. To avoid it, the permission for structural changes will be given online. All such procedures will be handled through online portal.