Odisha Steps Up Drive Against Unsafe Buildings, Private Structures Also Under Scanner

Bhubaneswar: Unsafe buildings across Odisha, including privately owned structures, will come under closer scrutiny as the state government steps up inspections and prepares to initiate action against structures that pose a threat to life and property.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the government has ordered a fresh assessment of potentially dangerous buildings and constituted a 15-day inquiry and inspection team to examine their structural condition and submit its findings.

The move comes as part of a broader safety drive to identify structurally vulnerable buildings before they result in accidents or loss of life. The inspection team will examine buildings identified as potentially unsafe and recommend necessary action based on their condition.

The government has already assessed unsafe government buildings, with notices issued wherever required. Following a fresh review by the Housing & Urban Development Department, officials have been directed to expedite action against structures found to be unsafe.

“Based on the assessment, all government buildings identified as unsafe have been examined and notices have also been issued. Very soon, notices will be issued for demolition of those buildings which have been found unsafe,” Mahapatra said.

The Minister said the government would act against unsafe structures under its own jurisdiction, while buildings belonging to other departments would be brought to the attention of the respective authorities for necessary action.

A significant aspect of the latest exercise is the inclusion of private buildings in the safety assessment. Owners of privately owned structures found to be dangerous or structurally vulnerable may be issued notices in accordance with applicable rules and statutory provisions.

The 15-day inspection exercise is expected to provide a more comprehensive picture of the condition of buildings identified as potential safety risks. Based on the findings, authorities will decide on measures including repairs, other statutory action or demolition in cases where structures are found beyond safe occupation or repair.

“Whichever unsafe buildings fall under our Department, we will take action. If they belong to other departments, we will coordinate with them and inform them so that necessary action can be taken,” the Minister said.

The exercise assumes particular importance in Cuttack and Puri, where several old and privately owned structures require closer scrutiny. Urban Local Bodies and other concerned agencies will undertake inspections and identify buildings that could endanger residents, pedestrians and the public.

Officials have been directed to ensure that the process of inspection, issuance of notices and subsequent action is carried out in a coordinated and time-bound manner. The Housing & Urban Development Department will work with Urban Local Bodies and other government departments as part of the exercise.

The government has stressed that the initiative is primarily preventive, with the objective of identifying structural risks before they turn into accidents. Buildings found to pose serious threats to public safety will face action under the applicable legal provisions, including demolition wherever warranted.

The exercise is expected to strengthen urban safety measures across the state and ensure that potentially dangerous structures do not remain unattended at the cost of public safety.