After Dhenkanal wall collapse deaths, focus back on unsafe buildings

Dhenkanal: A day after four people were killed in the tragic wall collapse incident in Dhenkanal, the local municipality shrugged off its responsibility by just demolishing a few dilapidated walls and houses.

It is not an isolated case that has been reported from Dhenkanal, there are several such unsafe structures and buildings across Odisha. In the smart city of Bhubanesswar, the Lingaraj market complex was declared ‘unsafe’ by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2013. Though a new market complex has been established by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, the shops are yet to be relocated.

“The complex is unsafe. But we are forced to stay with a hope to get a new allotment,” said a trader.

The Khurda district veterinary hospital building is also reeling under neglect and crying for urgent measures as its dilapidated structures pose serious threat to the lives of animals. Not only Bhubaneswar or Khurda, similar unsafe buildings do exists in almost every part of the State.

Meanwhile, following the wall collapse deaths in Dhenkanal, trouble seems to be mounting for the owner of the Hansraj Rice Mill for not demolishing the unsafe wall, the collapse of which took four lives on Sunday.

Dhenkanal SP, Anupama James informed that a criminal case under IPC sections-337 and 304 (A) will be registered against the owner of the rice mill.

“Only after an inquiry we can ascertain whether there was any criminal negligence. It was a private property and case will be registered against the owner,” said James.

Executive officer of the Dhenkanal Municipality, Atanu Kumar Samanta said “It has only been a year that the area has come under our jurisdiction. We will issue notice to the owner of the rice mill after discussions with the district collector.”