The six-member technical expert committee constituted by District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla to recommend urgent measures for the restoration of the road and nearby structures that were damaged in the impact of the collapse of the basement of an upcoming building at Kaloor on Thursday night, submitted its report on Friday.
The committee suggested that the southern portion of the plot, excavated up to 10 m, be immediately filled up to 5 m below ground level by using sand, aggregate or red earth to prevent “progressive failure of the surrounding area” and that the sunken portion of the road be strengthened using coconut piles and filled with red earth in layers.
In addition, the suggested formation of the road has to be extended by another three metres from the boundary of the road with a slope, the toe of which should be strengthened with sand bags.
The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) supply lines should be protected to restore supply.
KSEB and BSNL cables have to be restored with immediate effect, and the drain of the road should be connected with hume pipe to restore storm water drainage.
The interlocking tiles set in the area should also be reset to the original level, the committee, which investigated the damage to the road and nearby structures, suggested.
The recommended work will be completed in four days, with the committee checking on its completion, Mr. Safirulla said. While the building permit for the now-collapsed structure has been revoked, another committee will be constituted on Saturday to investigate the reasons for the failure of the structure, whether due process was followed and aspects related to the cause of the accident and the way forward vis-à-vis construction in the area.
