Bhubaneswar, Sept. 8 (UDN): The Odisha government has launched a 15-day statewide inspection drive to identify unsafe and structurally vulnerable buildings, with authorities directed to take prompt action against structures that pose a threat to public safety.
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Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra has instructed officials to complete detailed inspections within the stipulated period and submit a report for further action.
Government Buildings Under Review
The inspection follows a fresh review of unsafe structures by the Housing & Urban Development Department. The minister said government buildings already identified as unsafe have been assessed and notices issued wherever required.
Structures under the department’s jurisdiction will be dealt with directly, while buildings belonging to other government departments will be referred to the respective authorities for necessary action.
Mahapatra said demolition notices would be issued for buildings found to pose a serious risk, with removal of such structures to be undertaken wherever warranted.
Private Structures Also In Focus
The inspection exercise will also cover privately owned buildings considered dangerous or structurally weak.
Owners of such properties may be served notices under the applicable laws and regulations, with authorities expected to initiate further measures based on the condition of each structure.
Officials have been directed to ensure that the assessment covers all potentially unsafe buildings and that the entire exercise is completed within the 15-day deadline.
Action Based On Inspection Findings
The government said structures found to be beyond safe occupation or repair would face appropriate action, including demolition in cases where they pose a serious threat to life and property.
Urban Local Bodies and other concerned agencies will play a key role in identifying vulnerable structures, carrying out inspections and coordinating subsequent action.
Focus On High-Risk Urban Areas
The drive assumes particular importance in urban centres such as Cuttack and Puri, where a number of old buildings and privately owned structures require periodic safety assessments.
The government said the exercise is primarily preventive and is intended to identify structural hazards before they result in accidents, injuries or damage to property.
The Housing & Urban Development Department will coordinate with Urban Local Bodies and other departments to ensure that inspections, notices and enforcement measures are carried out in a systematic and time-bound manner.
The state government has reiterated that buildings posing a significant danger to residents, pedestrians or the wider public will not be allowed to remain unattended.