PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) has stepped up its drive against old and structurally unsafe buildings across the city. MCD has identified about 35 structures that pose a potential risk to public safety, officials said.
MCD assistant engineer Rajit Kothiyal said that a detailed structural survey was carried out in the area under the corporation’s purview to assess buildings that are old, damaged or at risk of collapse. Based on the findings, several buildings have been officially marked as “dangerous” and notices have been issued to the owners, directing them to take necessary measures within a fixed timeline.
Kothiyal said, “In instances where owners complied after receiving notices, repairs were undertaken at their own cost. In cases where structures were found to be beyond repair or owners failed to respond, the MCD proceeded with demolition to avert any untoward incident,” he said.
Officials explained that not all identified buildings required demolition. In many cases, only specific portions were damaged. Such structures were made safe through maintenance work, structural fittings and repairs. However, buildings assessed as fully dilapidated and at immediate risk of collapse were demolished as a preventive measure.
The corporation is closely monitoring compliance status and reviewing each case individually, officials said. Decisions regarding future use of land after demolition, including fresh construction or keeping the site vacant, will be taken as per existing safety norms and building regulations.
The ongoing drive aims to reduce risks to residents, pedestrians and adjoining properties, particularly during the monsoon season, when weakened structures are more vulnerable to collapse.
