Building tilt sparks concerns over unsafe construction practices
by Ekta ChaubeyA four-story building dangerously tilted onto an adjacent structure in a densely populated area, raising alarm among residents and authorities.
The incident took place in the Vidyasagar Colony, Ward 99, Baghajatin, under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in Jadavpur, Kolkata district, West Bengal, on January 14.
Visuals show the newly constructed building tilting and partially collapsing, with crowds gathering around the site to capture the scene.
According to reports, the structure, which housed flats, began tilting a few months ago, prompting residents to evacuate for safety. Repair work using advanced technology was underway when the building tilted further and partially collapsed onto a neighboring single-story apartment.
Officials from the Disaster Management Group (DMG), fire brigade, and local police rushed to the site. The dismantling of the unstable structure is set to begin soon to prevent further damage or accidents.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Debabrata Majumdar revealed that the incident likely occurred when the repair company attempted to lift the building. He added, “The residents had already been evacuated. Thankfully, there are no injuries, but the property damage is significant.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that inferior materials were used in the building’s construction, leading to its structural failure. Local authorities noted that the structure was built on a filled wetland, further compromising its stability.
A former councilor, Debasish Mukherjee, criticized the construction, stating, “This structure was built in violation of all building regulations. Although no casualties were reported, the incident highlights the dangers of unauthorized construction.”
The building, constructed in 2010, reportedly began leaning three months ago. Subhas Saha, the promoter, assured residents that repairs would resolve the issue. A Haryana-based company was hired, and work began a month and a half ago.
On January 14, residents heard a loud sound as the building tilted further. “We were having lunch when we heard a strange noise. When we came out, we saw the building gradually tilting,” said Dipti Sarkar, a resident.
Another resident, Prashanta Saha, added, “This building has been a constant source of fear. It’s adjacent to my house, and we have no place to go if something worse happens.”
Authorities evacuated nearby residents as a precautionary measure and are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident. Experts are assessing the site to determine the exact cause of the collapse and evaluate the safety of nearby structures.