A panel from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), examining the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board’s KP Park tenements at Pulianthope, will analyse various factors including the structural stability of the multi-storeyed buildings (MSB). Complaints by the residents over poor quality of construction had prompted the inspection.
TNSCB officials said the inspection, which began on Wednesday, is likely to last 45 days before the final report is submitted. The quality of construction is being examined using various devices and the samples will be tested in labs. “Our terms of reference with IIT- is to study the structural validity. Based on the report, we will retrofit the buildings and hand them over to the allottees,’ a TNSCB official said.
The first phase of the KP Park Scheme, comprising 864 dwelling units, is spread over four blocks each with stilt + 9 floors is currently occupied by 50-60 allottees. Residents had complained about plaster peeling off and damages to other parts including staircases.
Early on Thursday, a portion of a wall built in 2016 was inadvertently demolished during a drive to clear the debris. When contacted, TNSCB officials said it will be reconstructed by the contractor.
Separately, A M V Prabhakara Raja, the legislator from Virugambakkam, on Wednesday inspected the Tamil Nadu Housing Board’s Brindavan Towers in KK Nagar following a report about dust falling off pillars and massive cracks on the compound walls of the stilt +11 floor structure with 561 units. He said the issue was brought to notice of the housing minister. “The construction has not met any standards,” he added.
