Odisha to fast-track demolition of unsafe buildings after Cuttack mishap claims 3 lives

The Odisha government has announced that it will accelerate the demolition of unsafe buildings, belonging to both the government and private individuals or entities, across the state, following the recent tragic collapse of an old structure in Cuttack, which killed three people, including a child.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said on Sunday that the process of identifying and tearing down hazardous buildings would be intensified immediately. 

“The Works Department is responsible for declaring a building unsafe, while the Urban Development Department will ensure its demolition. The government will take responsibility for unsafe official buildings, but private property owners must remain vigilant and act responsibly,” the minister stated.

He added that all government buildings are already being monitored regularly, and any structure found to be dangerous will be demolished without delay. “The Works Department has been authorised to act against unsafe government buildings even within its own offices,” Mahapatra said.

Tragedy At Cuttack Prompts Government Response

The minister’s statement came a day after the collapse of a dilapidated apartment balcony at Mani Sahu Chhak in Cuttack. The accident left three people, Abdul Jalil, Abdul Zahid, and a five-year-old child, dead, and two others critically injured.

According to eyewitnesses, the structure had long been abandoned and was in a fragile state. Fire Services teams, assisted by local volunteers, rescued three people from the debris, but doctors declared them dead upon arrival at the hospital.

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Old Buildings Under Fresh Scrutiny

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the safety risks posed by hundreds of ageing, unmaintained buildings in Cuttack. Despite previous directives from the Orissa High Court to demolish such structures, many continue to stand in crowded localities.

Minister Mohapatra said that in light of the incident, the demolition of unsafe private structures will now be fast-tracked.