Urban Development / Odisha Govt Launches 15-Day Drive to Identify Dangerous Buildings; Demolition Notices Likely

Bhubaneswar, Sep 8: The Odisha Government has stepped up action against dangerous and unsafe buildings across urban areas, with a 15-day inspection drive planned to identify structures that could pose a risk to lives and property.

The Housing and Urban Development Department has accelerated the process of identifying, inspecting and assessing government and private buildings considered unsafe. Necessary action will be taken under applicable laws based on the findings of the inspections.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said assessments of unsafe government buildings had already been conducted and notices issued wherever required.

“Based on the assessment, all government buildings identified as 'dangerous' have been inspected and notices have also been sent. I held another review with the department yesterday. Notices for demolition of buildings found to be dangerous are likely to be issued soon,” Mahapatra said.

Govt Buildings Under Review
The minister said the department would take necessary action against dangerous buildings under its administrative control.

For unsafe structures belonging to other government departments, the concerned authorities would be informed and coordinated action would be taken, he said.

The latest drive also covers privately owned buildings. Structures found to be dangerous or in an extremely weak condition will be inspected in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Notices may be issued to owners wherever necessary, followed by legal action.

15-Day Inspection Drive
Under the initiative, inspection teams have been constituted to conduct detailed checks of suspected dangerous buildings.

The teams will assess the structural condition and safety of the buildings and submit their inspection reports within the prescribed 15-day period.

“The inspection teams will conduct thorough assessments. Buildings classified as dangerous after inspection will face necessary action under the law. Wherever required, such structures will be demolished,” Mahapatra said.

Focus On Old Cities
The inspection drive is expected to have particular significance in older cities such as Cuttack and Puri, where several ageing and structurally weak buildings have remained in use for years.

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Urban local bodies and other concerned authorities will assist in the inspection and subsequent action.

The government said the initiative is primarily preventive, with the objective of identifying structural risks before accidents occur and taking corrective measures to protect citizens and their property.

The Housing and Urban Development Department will coordinate with urban local bodies and other government departments to ensure that inspections, notices and subsequent legal action are carried out within stipulated timelines.

The government has reiterated that the safety of citizens and their property remains a priority and that unsafe structures posing a threat to public safety would not be ignored.