All 25-yr-old bldgs must conduct audit: PMC

NAVI MUMBAI: Alarmed by the recent incidents of building collapse in Thane and Mumbai, Panvel Municipal Council (PMC) has sent notices to societies to ensure safety of their buildings. But it evoked little response from those occupying such unsafe buildings.
PMC officials have sent notices to 2,000 residential societies apart from advertising in newspapers and erecting hoardings, asking them to conduct structural audit of all residential buildings.The notice has stated the need of conducting structural audit of both residential and commercial buildings.
“All 25-year-old buildings must carry out structural audit every year and take necessary steps to repair or redevelop the building. Else, the societies are liable to be penalized,” said Sanjay Katekar, PMC engineer.
However, few have complied regarding the safety issue. Earlier, PMC had declared some 46 building unsafe of which five buildings were declared extremely unsafe for occupation. But the evacuation call evoked poor response except for three PMC buildings. “One civic school building and two hostels have been closed. But the remaining 43 buildings are still being occupied by tenants,” said Katekar.
Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur said, “We have asked the government to redevelop the old buildings in Panvel. Our request to allot land for transit camps is also under consideration.”