Negligence Of Surat Municipal Corporation Exposed As Building Collapses

The collapse, reminiscent of a house of cards, occurred within seconds, leaving the ancient structure in ruins. Shockingly, the building, which had stood for 40 years, had been in an increasingly deteriorating state for some time. What's more alarming is that this catastrophe might have been averted had the SMC heeded prior warnings.

By TBT Web Desk On Nov 2, 2023

SMC Negligence Exposed as Dilapidated Building Collapses in Katargam GIDC — Ill-fated Building Seconds Before It Collapsed in Katargam GIDC

Surat : A dilapidated building housing embroidery units in the Katargam GIDC area collapsed, raising concerns over the negligence of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) in addressing prior warnings about the precarious structure. Fortunately, about half a dozen textile workers narrowly escaped the potential disaster with no casualties reported.

The collapse, reminiscent of a house of cards, occurred within seconds, leaving the ancient structure in ruins. Shockingly, the building, which had stood for 40 years, had been in an increasingly deteriorating state for some time. What’s more alarming is that this catastrophe might have been averted had the SMC heeded prior warnings.

Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani, also serving as the municipal councilor of ward number 6 in Katargam, had forewarned the municipal commissioner, Shalini Agarwal, through formal representation, urging immediate structural assessments and action against the building’s owner for unauthorized construction. The mayor’s letter, dated January 30, 2023, specifically highlighted the building’s precarious condition, yet no substantive action was taken by the SMC authorities.

Katargam fire station officer Hitesh Thakor revealed that they received a distress call reporting the building collapse near the Katargam new GIDC Gajera circle. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, fortunately finding no individuals trapped amidst the debris.

The SMC now faces mounting scrutiny and questions regarding their failure to act upon warnings issued months ago by responsible municipal councilor. Mayor Daxesh Mavani had diligently sounded the alarm, emphasizing the potential disaster in advance. Tragically, the SMC’s inaction has led to a preventable incident with fortunate outcomes, saving lives narrowly.

The negligence and apathy of the SMC, particularly Commissioner Shalini Agarwal, are under intense criticism for their lack of action, resulting in a near-tragedy. If the authorities had taken Mayor Daxesh Mavani’s recommendations seriously, this incident might have been averted, preventing unnecessary risks to the lives of the city’s inhabitants.