Demolition of the multi-storeyed building that caved in last week at Someshwaranagar has begun. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which had earlier planned to demolish the structure using specialised equipment, has now resorted to demolishing the building manually.
Speaking to The Hindu , Sidde Gowda, BBMP’s chief engineer for south zone, said so far, around 15 per cent of the demolition has been completed. “We have entrusted the job to a private contractor. Around 60 labourers are on the job,” he said.
He said the BBMP had taken adequate precautions to ensure that the neighbouring buildings are not damaged. That apart, it has ensured that the labourers engaged are well-equipped with safety gear, besides being insured. The labourers have been given hard hats, vests, rope ties and other equipment.
“We have also conducted mahajar (spot investigation) and estimated the damage to other buildings, which have been evacuated. The BBMP has also paid the residents of these buildings some money to cover one month’s rent,” he added.
Mr. Gowda said the specialised equipment from Hyderabad may not be required now. “The company came to Bangalore and conducted a spot inspection. They noted that there would be space constraint, as there was little road clearance.”
He said once the BBMP completes demolishing two top floors, the locally available earthmovers may be pressed into service to demolish the remaining portion of the building. As per estimates, the BBMP will be spending around Rs. 30 lakh to bring down the entire building. “This has been calculated as per the Schedule of Rates of the Public Works Department,” he added.
