Old buildings turn death trap during rainy season in Amritsar

The recent spell of heavy rain has once again exposed the danger of old, dilapidated buildings standing across the city. In the past two days, three century-old structures collapsed in different localities, leaving one young life lost and residents shaken.

In Katra Jaimal Singh, a 16-year-old girl, Praveen, was killed when the mud roof of her family’s 100-year-old house caved in during Tuesday morning’s downpour. While other family members were rescued, the tragedy highlighted how unsafe it is for families still living in such fragile homes.

Two more buildings collapsed near Khuo Suniyara Wala and Katra Ahluwalia. Fortunately, no lives were lost in these cases, but vehicles were damaged and electricity supply disrupted. The incidents have caused fear among residents living in similar houses nearby.

There are dozens of such dilapidated buildings in the city, many over a century old, where families continue to live or run shops despite knowing the risks. Every year, during the rainy season, some of these structures give way, causing loss of lives and property. Residents complain that the administration has done little to either repair or remove such unsafe constructions.

With rains continuing to lash the city, residents worry that more houses could collapse. “These buildings are like ticking time bombs. We are living under constant fear,” said a shopkeeper from the old city.

Experts say that weak mud walls, wooden beams, and poor maintenance make such buildings extremely vulnerable during long spells of rain. Unless urgent action is taken, old houses could keep turning into death traps each monsoon.

As per Municipal Corporation survey, there are nearly 100 such buildings in the city. Some of these buildings are of heritage value. The residents stated that measures must be taken to assess vulnerability of these buildings and ensure that those which require preservation are preserved.

“Apart from the occupants of these buildings, even the residents of nearby properties are at risk,” said

another resident.