Published Oct 24, 2024 | 6:04 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2024 | 6:04 PM
CM Siddaramaiah visits building collapse site in Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site of the recent multi-storey building collapse in Babuspalya near Hennur on Thursday, 24 October, two days after it claimed eight lives.
An under-construction building near Hennur in Bengaluru collapsed on 22 October amid heavy rains that began the previous day, caused by a cyclonic circulation over the Central Andaman Sea.
Speaking to South First earlier, Hennur police officials had said that the building seem to have collapsed due to a breakdown of scaffolding. “The collapse occurred around 4.30 pm and the rescued people have been rushed to local hospitals for further medical care.”
The injured and deceased labourers were largely from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka.
The CM assessed the ongoing search operations and interacted with the victims’ families, assuring them of compensation.
“Those who were rescued are out of danger, and the government will bear the full cost of their medical treatment. A total compensation of ₹5 lakh has been announced for the 8 deceased—₹2 lakh from the Labour Department and ₹3 lakh from BBMP,” the Chief Minister announced.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services successfully rescued 14 labourers from the debris, while efforts continue to locate one more labourer believed to be trapped.
Siddaramaiah remarked that the building was constructed without proper authorisation, despite a notice to halt work. He emphasised the need for adherence to building regulations and vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the unauthorised construction.
The Chief Minister pointed out: “This is a revenue layout, and the building was constructed without proper authorisation. Despite issuing a notice for unauthorised construction, the building was still being constructed, leading to the suspension of the Assistant Executive Engineer responsible.”
“I have also directed notices be issued to the zonal commissioner and executive engineer overseeing the area. The government is also considering providing compensation along with covering medical expenses for those injured in the case,” stated Siddaramaiah.
Appealing the people to abide by the law, Siddaramaiah said: “I appeal people to build homes in accordance with the law and not engage in illegal constructions. This unfortunate incident occurred because the building owners and contractors continued construction despite a notice to stop work.”
“To prevent such incidents from happening again, people must obtain prior approval for building construction, and thorough checks must be conducted by the AEE. The importance of maintaining the quality of construction to avoid substandard work. The collapse of this building was due to poor construction quality, not because of rain,” he said.
“No unauthorised buildings will be allowed in the future, and officials responsible for such constructions will be held accountable. I have instructed the BBMP commissioner to take strict action to prevent such incidents in the future,” the Chief Minister stated that he has issued strict instruction to the BBMP.
On Wednesday, 23 October, Prime Minister Narendra announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia to the victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured in the building collapse.
The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement about giving ex-gratia to the victims on its official account on X.
Narendra Modi said: “Anguished by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a building in Bengaluru. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.”
Anguished by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a building in Bengaluru. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased. The…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 23, 2024
“I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakhs from Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” announced Modi.
Following a spot inspection, Lokayukta chief BS Patil initiated a suo-moto case against several government officials, stating that there appeared to be a “classic case of collusion” between builders and officials.
Patil told reporters: “This is classic case of collusion from builders to officers. We have carried out spot inspection. We have heard out officials from the Assistant Engineer to BBMP Zonal Commissioner.”
“I have already registered a suo-moto case against the officers – from government’s secretary to assistant engineers. The officers will be called to give their response,” Patil added that they will carry out a probe on the incident.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Mahesh M Goudar)
