The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has listed 37 structures as ‘unsafe’ and issued evacuation notices to residents after a preliminary survey was conducted by a team of structural engineers in the last fortnight in all the eight talukas in the region spread across 6,900 km area.
Officials said that all the 37 structures fall under the C1 category buildings classified as ‘highly dangerous’ and should be vacated immediately.
Post the Kondwa and Ambegaon wall collapse incidents, the authority carried out a survey in all the eight talukas and listed these structures as unsafe. PMRDA commissioner Vikram Kumar told TOI stated that they have come out with the first list, and the drive would continue and notices issued.
The drive basically includes assessment of buildings according to the dilapidated building policy. As per the rules, notices are issued for evacuation and residents have to adhere to them for their own safety, added the commissioner.
The buildings that have been listed are those which are more than 30-40 years old, and where repairs cannot be carried out. The PMRDA directed the residents to consider redevelopment as there was no point in spending on repairs.
Recently, a 100-year-old building in Mumbai’s Dongri collapsed, killing at least 14 people and trapping more than 40. The incident exposed the creaking infrastructure in the financial city.
While the CM has announced a redevelopment policy for dilapidated structures, local authorities are carrying out structural audit of unsafe buildings in their respective areas. Apart from C1, the other two categories for buildings are C2 structures, which need extensive repairs, and C3 structures that can be repaired but can stand only for a few more years.
Structural experts told TOI that it is mandatory, and also advisable, to carry out periodical structural audits of buildings by professional experts and act on their recommendations immediately. “The entire process of repair and restoration is based on thorough knowledge, correct diagnosis and in-depth analysis of problems in the building, proper repair practices and based on socio-economic considerations,’’ a structural expert said.
Effective implementation of auditing enhances the lifespan of the structure and prevents its further deterioration leading to sustainability, added another expert.
What was done?
Team of engineers did a survey with the help of local officials
Preliminary list was made
Visits thereafter to these structures
Notices were issued
Time has been given to residents to shift out
What are unsafe buildings?
Unsafe Buildings Buildings that are structurally weak and thus unsafe, do not have proper entry and/or exit facilities
They are prone to fire hazards, poses dangers to human life or according to its existing use, may pose a danger to safety, health or public welfare are deemed to be unsafe.
As per government regulations, these buildings must undergo restoration, demolition or undertake necessary measures as per the instructions of the concerned authority.
Unsafe Structures listed taluka wise in the area
Haveli-8, Khed-2, Maval-14, Mulshi-12, Bhor-1
“Our team has carried out the first round of survey and we will keep the survey on. Residents should immediately vacate these structures and consult with an engineer and go in for redevelopment for their own safety”——Vikram Kumar, PMRDA commissioner
