Mumbai: Announcing that the probe into the Ghatkopar building collapse will be headed by a senior IAS officer, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the mishap is prima-facie due to illegal tampering of the structure’s beams and columns.
“The photos and evidence made available by BMC engineers show clear signs of damage done to the building’s columns, which resulted in damage to the structure," Mr. Fadnavis said, while addressing a marathon discussion on the adjournment motion moved by the Opposition over the issue. A similar motion was also moved in the Legislative Council.
Mr. Fadnavis said all buildings aged 30 or more years will be served notices to undergo structural audits, monitored by the ward offices. “It is also observed that residents don’t get permissions on time for repairs. Henceforth, all permissions will be given online. A certificate from a licensed architect or structural consultant certifying that the beams or columns are not damaged would ensure online permission within 24 hours.” A list of buildings granted permission for repairs will also be made available online in Mumbai, he said.
He said taking the process online would ensure officials responsible for granting certain permissions can be made accountable when the issue reaches the courts. Mr. Fadnavis said residents of the Ghatkopar building hadn’t filed a complaint with authorities before it collapsed. MLAs across party lines demanded action against civic officers who allowed renovation by Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap, currently under arrest for the building collapse.
The State government announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the kin of those who died in the mishap, while the injured will be given ₹1 lakh. Their medical expenses will be covered by the government.
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said, “BMC has now become a private limited company. The leadership is patronising such Sunil Shitaps in every ward. Those in power are equally responsible.”
NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad asked the government to come up with a policy for civic officers. “The issue is above party politics. Why should they be spared? An example has to be set to instil fear in the minds of these officers,”
In the Legislative Council, the Opposition demanded the suspension of the ward officer and police station in-charge under whose jurisdiction the ill-fated building had existed. Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde alleged corruption in the BMC was the main reason for the Ghatkopar collapse.
Mr. Munde said, “BMC has become a hub of corruption. While there are thousands of illegal structures in Mumbai, an official-builder nexus is not allowing anyone to take action against them.”
