Kalpataru residents demand safety audit

PUNE: The death of a one-year-old boy due to electrocution in the garden of his apartment in Pimple Gurav on Friday has united residents who are demanding a foolproof safety audit of the housing society.
The incident happened in the Kalpataru Estates phase II in Javalkarnagar, Pimple Gurav, when Sahil Wakade (13 months) came in contact with a lamp post while playing in the society garden.Apparently, the wiring was loose due to which Sahil suffered a high-voltage electric shock. Sahil was the son of army officer Major Sameer Wakade. A police complaint has been lodged.
Shocked by Sahil's death, the residents of the 450-flat society have accused the builder of negligence. They have been gathering at the garden since last two days to decide the future course of action. On Sunday, the residents took out a candle march. They demanded action against people responsible for poor maintenance of the society.
"The incidence comes as a major blow for us. The residents fear that such incidents may happen again," said Milind Naik, who lives in the same building.
Sanjay Sonekar, another resident, said they are not feeling safe in the society. "None of the parents want to use the amenities after the Friday's accident," said Phulwa Rawal, a resident.
Ravi Kale, who also lives in the building, said they will continue their agitation till their demands are not met. "We want a safety audit of all buildings and amenities. The auditor should check quality of construction, electrical wiring and other facilities provided in the society. An independent third-party safety audit should be done," he said.
Rajan Pillay, a resident, said, "What's the use of paying for the maintenance if the building suffers from major problems like these. We will continue to hold meetings every day till the problems are solved."
Dinesh Joshi, deputy general manager (sales) of Kalpataru Limited, told TOI on Sunday said they have initiated steps to resolve problems of the society. "We have made attempts to communicate with society members. Our head office is in Mumbai, so the top management of the company has come to Pune. A meeting with the residents has been planned next week to consider their demands. We even conducted meetings with senior officials of our electrical department to look into the issues raised by the people. Henceforth, quarterly meetings will be held with society members to understand their issues and provide solutions," Joshi said.
Minal Patil, assistant police inspector, Sanghvi police station, said that section 304 (a) (causing death due to negligence) of the Indian Penal Code has been invoked in the case and investigations are on.
Many other complaints
The residents of Kalpataru said they have numerous issues with regards to maintenance since long. They have sent emails, letters and also met the management members in person. The member of the society had visited Mumbai office and handed over letter which had the details of problems that the residents are facing. Another letter was given just a couple of days before the electrocution accident. The letter raised issues about faulty electrical switches, delay in society formation, solar system not working, single phasing and power supply disruptions, incomplete fencing work and paver block repairs, plastering and repairs, and leakages in walls.