No rules yet to monitor stability of private buildings

Currently, there are no regulations in the State to intervene or monitor the construction of private buildings.

While buildings belonging to the State government are constructed as per the National Building Code, 2005, that specifies BIS standards, private structures are not covered under any such rules.

Following the Moulivakkam building collapse last year, the issue of bringing private institutions under the ambit of rules is under discussion.

At present, the structural design submitted by builders or individuals is approved by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. However, supervision is not being done to check for deviation in structural design at the project execution stage.

The State government is mulling over framing rules for private structures to ensure such building or wall collapse accidents are averted, according to sources in the Public Works Department.

Structural engineering experts suggest more columns and beams at specific gaps be provided for the stability of walls.

S. Ramachandran, retired superintending engineer (planning and design circle, PWD), said: “Normally, walls are built up to a height of five or six feet. We suggest the wall be finished with a top layer of six-inch-deep and nine-inch-wide concrete beam. These measures will ensure the walls survive heavy rains or strong winds.”