Old, unsafe buildings pose a threat to residents

Charanjit Singh Teja

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 30

Old and unsafe buildings in the city are posing a threat to residents as these may collapse anytime due to heavy rain during the monsoon.

Last year, the Municipal Corporation (MC) had conducted a survey to identify unsafe buildings in the walled city area.

As per information, there are around 90 unsafe buildings in the city. The MC had reportedly issued notices to the owners of these buildings a few years ago.

However, a number of such buildings had collapsed due to rain in the past and claimed the lives of over 12 persons. The MC did not take any preventive measures prior to the monsoon season this year.

Of the total 90 unsafe buildings, 24 are occupied by their owners and 14 are given on rent. As many as 10 such building is sub-judice. While some of them are locked.

Officials of the MC said they served notices on the owners of these buildings and asked them either to get the building properly repaired or vacate them and move to a safe place.

Last year, some old buildings had collapsed due to downpour. Residents of the walled city, Ghee Madi, Katra Ahluwalia Bazaar, Guru Bazaar, Pratap Bazaar, Cheel Mandi, and around the Golden Temple experienced such accidents in the past years.

Ironically, the MC did not take any strict action or demolish any building in the past a few years.

Earlier in 2013, the town planning wing of the MC had demolished some buildings in Dholi Mohalla, Lakshmansar area and Tabela Jagatram.

Narinder Sharma, Municipal Town Planner, said, “Some of the residents have got their building renovated and a few buildings were demolished. Our inspectors are conducting a survey. We are helpless to take any action against the disputed buildings as matters are sub-judice.”