Bhubaneswar: In a major step to ensure public safety and prevent accidents arising from unsafe and dilapidated structures, the Odisha government has intensified its drive to identify, assess and take action against buildings posing a threat to life and property across the state.
As the government launched a 15-day inspection drive to identify unsafe and dilapidated buildings across the state, Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra directed officials to expedite action against structures posing a threat to public safety.
Officials said the inspection team will conduct detailed assessments of buildings identified as potentially unsafe and submit its findings within 15 days. Based on the report, the government will initiate necessary action, including demolition of structures found to pose a serious risk to life and property.
Mahapatra said the government had already assessed unsafe government buildings and issued notices wherever necessary. However, following a fresh review of the situation, the department has directed officials to step up inspections and take timely action against buildings found to be structurally vulnerable.
“Based on the assessment, all government buildings identified as unsafe have been examined and notices have also been issued. I had called for another review with the Department yesterday. Very soon, notices will be issued for the demolition of those buildings which have been found unsafe,” the Minister said.
He said the government would take action against unsafe buildings falling under its jurisdiction. Structures under the Housing & Urban Development Department will be dealt with by the department, while buildings belonging to other government departments will be brought to the notice of the respective authorities for appropriate action.
“Whichever unsafe buildings fall under our department, we will take action. If they belong to other departments, we will coordinate with them and inform them so that necessary action can be taken,” Mahapatra said.
The safety drive will also cover private buildings. Owners of private structures found to be in a dangerous or structurally vulnerable condition will be issued notices in accordance with applicable rules and statutory provisions.
Officials have been asked to ensure that the assessment is comprehensive and completed within the stipulated timeframe. The inspection team will examine the structural condition of buildings identified as potentially unsafe and submit its findings to the government for further action.
Mahapatra said buildings found to be unsafe and posing a serious threat to public safety would face action, including demolition wherever warranted.
The exercise assumes significance in urban areas such as Kataka and Puri, where several old and privately owned structures require closer examination. Urban Local Bodies and other concerned authorities will conduct inspections and identify buildings that could pose risks to residents, pedestrians and the general public.
The government said the exercise was primarily preventive and aimed at identifying structural risks before they resulted in loss of life or property. Buildings that are found to be beyond safe occupation or repair will be dealt with as per the applicable provisions.
