Stating that certain basic flaws in structural design and construction caused the 11-storey building to collapse in Moulivakkam on June 28, representatives from the building industry in Chennai said it was time for the government to establish ‘standard operation procedures’ to ensure safety, quality and prevent recurrence of similar disasters.
Office-bearers of Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) said it was entirely the responsibility of the developer to ensure that the construction was being executed as per the plan permit.
Ajit Kumar Chordia, president of CREDAI, Chennai, noted that the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) was only a planning agency and the task of ensuring that the specifications were met was the builder’s responsibility.
However, Mr. Chordia and other office-bearers said that there seemed to be a basic flaw in the structural design of the building.
Sandeep Mehta, former president of CREDAI, Chennai, said provisions of certain archaic laws governing the construction industry needed a re-look. Suresh Krishn, vice president, Chennai region of CREDAI, also spoke.
