Bengaluru bldg collapse: CM Siddaramaiah calls for strict construction regulations to prevent future accidents

PTI, Oct 25, 2024, 10:53 AM IST

Bengaluru: Days after eight people were killed in a building collapse, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for obtaining prior approvals before constructing buildings to prevent unauthorized structures and ensure safety.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the site of a building collapse on Thursday, he inspected the ongoing construction and also visited injured individuals in the hospital to check on their health.

The collapse reportedly occurred after the construction was continued despite a prior notice to halt the work. The CM stated that such incidents could be avoided if citizens ensure that permissions are secured and inspections by Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) are completed before construction. He also emphasized maintaining building quality to avoid substandard work.

Holding Officials Accountable

Pointing out that the collapse was due to poor construction quality and not rain CM Siddaramaiah insisted that strict measures be taken to avoid such incidents.

Going forward, he directed the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) Commissioner to prevent permissions for unauthorized structures and warned that responsible officials would be held accountable for any violations.

Rs 3,000 Crore Loan for Flood Management

The CM mentioned that he has instructed officials to remove encroachments from stormwater drains in BBMP jurisdiction. A Rs 3,000-crore loan is being secured to undertake necessary disaster management actions.

Suspension of Officials

This collapsed building was reportedly constructed without permission, and notices had previously been issued against the illegal work. Due to the continued construction, the AEE responsible for the area has been suspended, and notices have been issued to both the divisional officer and the executive engineer in charge of the zone.

Compensation for Victims

The CM announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. The government will also bear the medical expenses of those injured. Each of the eight deceased laborers’ families will receive Rs 2 lakh from the Labor Department and Rs 3 lakh from BBMP, totaling ₹5 lakh.

‘I Monitored Floods in a Boat as Opposition Leader’

Responding to opposition criticism regarding inadequate flood management, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “It’s easy to criticize, but rains have occurred under previous governments as well. Even as an opposition leader, I took to boats to assess the situation during floods.”