BBMP identifies 503 structurally unsafe buildings in Bengaluru

The BBMP has identified 503 buildings as structurally risky for habitation and vulnerable to collapse anytime, as per the data with the civic body.

Civic officials told the media that they have released notices to the building owners to move residents to safety and raze the structures in a week.

The decision comes in the backdrop of seven buildings falling in the last three weeks following heavy rainfall in Bengaluru.

Revenue minister R Ashoka had directed BBMP chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta to carry out a special drive to examine structurally unstable buildings in the city. A report made after the inspection drive said that the west zone had the most unstable buildings in the city at 121 and was followed by south (115) and east (113).

A senior BBMP (east) officer told the media that maximum unstable buildings are replete with violations. They do not have any delays, and there is a tendency to form buildings violating the rules. Many of these are duplex buildings where the extra floor is added without approval and foundational strength.

The buildings recognised as unstable in the west zone are old and with no maintenance. The owners do not regularly look into the safety of the building. It can result in walls or ceiling falling, a west zone officer told the media. BBMP’s additional town planning officer, Raghu, told the media that they are lucky there have been no casualties in these incidents over the last month. Some of the named buildings have formed cracks and are uninhabited.

A special team of engineers will present a report if these buildings must be razed.

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