BENGALURU: Preparations are underway to demolish an under-construction 18-storey apartment complex in Bengaluru after authorities found that a portion of the structure had tilted, raising concerns over its structural stability and public safety. The civic agency is taking precautions as about 900 residential buildings are located in the vicinity.
The apartment project, being developed by SNN Raj Corp on Haralur Main Road near Kudlu Gate in southeast Bengaluru, is reportedly the tallest residential building in the city to face demolition proceedings. Officials said this is the first time an 18-storey structure in Bengaluru is being brought down due to safety concerns.
Following consultations with technical experts and regulatory authorities, the GBA has decided to proceed with the demolition of the apartment complex. Preparatory work is currently underway, and the demolition process is expected to begin next week.
According to preliminary findings, nearly 20 per cent of the building has tilted to one side. Authorities stated that 49 apartments are located in the structure, which is alleged to have been constructed in an unscientific manner.
The project, estimated to have attracted an investment of around Rs 200 crore, has been under construction for the past year. Concerns escalated after engineers observed a noticeable lean in the building, prompting fears of a potential structural failure if corrective measures were not taken.
GBA officials said the developers approached the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), seeking permission to demolish the affected structure to prevent any future tragedy.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to ascertain the reasons behind the structural defect and determine whether there were any violations of construction norms or lapses in engineering and quality control during the execution of the project.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on construction standards and regulatory oversight in Bengaluru's rapidly expanding real estate sector.
GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao on Thursday convened a meeting with Bengaluru South City Corporation officials after a private builder applied for demolition permission.
--IANS
