Panic gripped Wazirganj on Monday morning after a pillar of a multi-storey residential building developed cracks, bringing the structure to the verge of collapse and forcing the emergency evacuation of 25 families.
The incident occurred between 10:30 am and 11:00 am, putting the lives of dozens of residents at risk. Felt like an earthquake: Residents The over 15-year-old building, with around 25 flats, housed nearly 25 families. LDA officials present at the scene confirmed that rooms had been constructed and sold even on the illegal sixth floor (terrace).
“For the past six months, I had been telling the building owners and other residents that the pillars were weak and repair work was required. But nobody paid heed,” he alleged. Mayor Sushma Kharkwal also inspected the site and directed officials to conduct an immediate technical and structural safety assessment of the building. She stressed that residents’ safety must remain the top priority and ordered strict action if the investigation finds negligence.
Residents said they had no option but to rush out after noticing the sudden change in the structure. “When I returned home, my wife told me that it felt like an earthquake when the incident occurred. The family immediately rushed outside,” he said. The incident has also put the spotlight on the apartment’s maintenance and the role of authorities responsible for approving and monitoring construction, said residents. District magistrate Vishak G, who reached the spot, said officials evacuated the entire building and ensured residents moved out safely. He said the administration would arrange shelter homes for residents who did not have alternative accommodation until necessary measures were taken.
