Precaution at last
BENGALURU
Following recent rain-related tragedies in Bengaluru that claimed multiple lives, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has initiated a large-scale drive against dangerous and dilapidated structures across the city. Authorities have now issued notices for the demolition of nearly 350 unsafe buildings identified in different zones of Bengaluru.
The move comes after seven people were killed when a compound wall near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar collapsed during heavy rains. In separate rain-related incidents, two others reportedly died due to electrocution, triggering widespread criticism over civic negligence and poor infrastructure safety measures.
According to officials, the identified structures include several old residential buildings as well as commercial establishments with shopfronts. Authorities warned that many of these structures are in an extremely weak condition and could collapse during heavy rains, posing serious danger to residents and pedestrians.
The GBA has now begun an urgent clearance process to remove such risky structures. Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao issued notices directing owners to demolish unsafe buildings within the stipulated time period. He warned that if owners fail to act, GBA teams will undertake the demolition work and recover the expenses from the property owners.
Appealing to citizens to cooperate with civic authorities, Rao said preventive action was necessary to avoid further deaths and injuries during the monsoon season. “People must wake up before buildings collapse and tragedies occur,” officials quoted him as saying.
Following the Bowring Hospital compound wall collapse, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally visited the site and pulled up civic officials over lapses in maintenance and safety monitoring. Soon after the incident, authorities reportedly demolished or cleared at least 15 dangerous compound walls across the city.
Officials said the highest number of unsafe structures were identified in the Bengaluru South Municipal Corporation limits. Despite their deteriorating condition, several of these buildings continue to remain occupied and operational, increasing the risk of accidents.
According to official data, Bengaluru South has 106 dilapidated buildings, followed by Bengaluru North with 84, Bengaluru West with 60, Bengaluru East with 51 and Bengaluru Central with 49 unsafe structures. Authorities have urged building owners to act immediately to prevent further rain-related disasters in the city.