The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed that a three-member panel be constituted to implement measures suggested by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on the wall collapse in Wadala.
The court said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shall appoint a senior officer and the IIT shall nominate two experts to supervise the work.
The compound wall of a building in Lloyds Estate collapsed on June 25. A Division Bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Riyaz Chagla is hearing a plea by Dosti Blossom Cooperative Housing Society challenging alleged inaction by the BMC and construction activity by Dosti Realty Ltd. On June 29, the court had directed all parties to suggest experts who could investigate the matter by the next day. On June 30, it ordered the director of IIT Bombay to constitute a committee of engineers to examine the premises.
The committee had suggested interim remedial relief, and said a refraining wall should be constructed, weep holes be created for water to flow easily, and struts be put up to provide support to the wall.
The Bench said the IIT report will have to be followed “in letter and spirit. We do not want anyone to object to the report and its recommendations. This is a serious issue. Immediate steps have to be taken to ensure that no harm or damage is done to buildings.” The matter will next be heard on July 27.
