The State Electrical Inspectorate has taken action against the unauthorized operation of lifts in a prominent apartment complex in Doddakallasandra on Kanakapura Main Road. A notice has been issued to the builder and landlord of the complex, demanding an immediate halt to the operation of all lifts in the two towers. This move comes after it was discovered that the required permissions had not been obtained from the inspectorate, posing serious safety risks to the thousands of residents. In response to the inspectorate’s notice, concerned homebuyers have reached out to the city’s police commissioner, B Dayanand, highlighting the potential danger posed by these unauthorized lift operations. The absence of proper approvals places the lives of the numerous residents at risk. Interestingly, despite the lack of necessary permissions, the Bengaluru Development Authority issued an occupancy certificate for the project in December 2022, raising further questions about regulatory oversights. The apartment complex, comprising two towers, boasts a total of 2,000 flats, with approximately half of them already occupied. The sprawling complex, which encompasses 27 floors and three basements, accommodates around 4,000 residents and support staff, all relying on the operation of thirty lifts for daily mobility. The State Electrical Inspectorate’s notice explicitly addresses the issue of unauthorized lift operations. According to the New Karnataka Lifts, Escalators, and Passenger Conveyor Rules of 2015, the operation of lifts requires a license from the department. As a result, the notice instructs the builder and the landowner to immediately cease the operation of the 30 OTIS lifts present in the two towers until the necessary approvals are obtained. This development serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of adhering to safety regulations and obtaining proper licenses, especially when it concerns the well-being of residents within large and complex buildings.
