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Kolkata authorities prioritize repair and demolition of high-risk buildings before monsoon season

PNT Reporter | Last Updated : 11th May, 2023
Synopsis

As monsoon season approaches, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is taking comprehensive measures to ensure residents' safety. With around 2,300 insecure structures, KMC is prioritizing repairs and demolition of high-risk buildings, while revising building codes to improve safety standards. Borough-specific teams are being established to monitor dilapidated buildings and relocate tenants as needed. Additionally, KMC is collaborating with local disaster management authorities to develop a comprehensive disaster response plan, aiming to minimize potential damages and loss of life during upcoming storms and future natural disasters.

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As Kolkata braces for the upcoming monsoon season, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is taking comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of its residents. With approximately 2,300 structures within the city deemed insecure, the KMC is proactively addressing concerns over dilapidated buildings by requesting executive engineers of the buildings department to compile a list of all high-risk buildings in their respective boroughs.



Following the submission of this list, engineers will conduct on-site surveys to determine which portions of the buildings require repair. Building owners will then be asked to execute urgent repairs. If owners fail to comply, KMC teams may need to intervene to perform necessary strengthening work and prevent loss of life. In cases where certain parts of buildings are found to be beyond repair, the KMC may order their demolition.



Over 150 dangerously dilapidated buildings have been identified in various areas of the city, including the Cossipore-Dum Dum belt, Burrabazar-Chitpore belt, Girish Park-Jorasamko belt, and locations like Lenin Sarani, College Street, Sealdah, BB Ganguly Street, SN Banerjee Road, Ripon Street, Park Circus, and the Bhowanipore-Kalighat belt. Officials are developing plans to address urgent repairs within the next month.



In response to concerns over the structural integrity of some buildings, the KMC is also evaluating and revising existing building codes to ensure that future construction adheres to higher safety standards. This process includes reviewing international best practices and consulting with experts to identify improvements that can be made to Kolkata's building regulations.



To prepare for potential cyclonic storms, the KMC has established borough-specific teams responsible for monitoring extremely dilapidated buildings and relocating tenants as a precautionary measure. These teams are also tasked with providing emergency shelter and assistance to affected residents in the event of a disaster.



Furthermore, the KMC is working closely with local disaster management authorities to develop a comprehensive disaster response plan for the city. This plan includes the identification of safe zones, evacuation routes, and emergency communication systems to ensure a well-coordinated response in the event of a natural disaster.



In conclusion, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation is taking vital steps to prioritize the safety of its residents by addressing the city's high-risk buildings before the monsoon season arrives. Through repair, demolition, relocation efforts, revised building codes, and collaboration with disaster management authorities, the KMC aims to minimize potential damages and loss of life during the upcoming storms and future natural disasters.

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