Finance
The Odisha government has initiated a 15-day inspection drive to detect hazardous and dilapidated buildings across the state, with Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra urging officials to take action against structures that endanger public safety.
The inspection team will undertake extensive assessments of buildings designated as potentially dangerous and report its findings within the 15-day deadline. Based on the study, the government will take appropriate action, including the demolition of structures that pose a major threat to life and property.
Mahapatra stated that the administration has already inspected dangerous government buildings and issued notices where appropriate. However, after a thorough examination of the issue, the agency has urged staff to increase inspections and take prompt action against structures judged to be structurally vulnerable.
“Based on the assessment, all government buildings identified as unsafe have been examined and notices have also been issued. I had called for another review with the Department yesterday. Very soon, notices will be issued for the demolition of those buildings which have been found unsafe,” Mahapatra said.
The minister stated that the government would take action against dangerous buildings within its control. The Housing & Urban Development Department will handle structures under its jurisdiction, while buildings owned by other government departments will be brought to the attention of the competent authorities for action.
“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,” he said.
The safety initiative will also include private buildings. Owners of private constructions judged to be unsafe or structurally vulnerable will receive notices in accordance with applicable rules and statutory provisions.
Officials have been urged to ensure that the review is thorough and finished within the timeframe specified. The inspection team will investigate the structural condition of buildings classified as potentially unsafe and report back to the government for further action.
Mahapatra stated that structures judged to be hazardous and constituting a major threat to public safety would face action, including demolition where appropriate.
“The inquiry team will conduct a thorough inquiry and investigation into the matter. After inspection, whichever buildings are found to fall under the unsafe category will be demolished,” the minister said.
The process is particularly important in metropolitan locations like Kataka and Puri, where various historic and privately held structures require deeper inspection. Urban Local Bodies and other relevant agencies will perform inspections to identify buildings that may represent a risk to occupants, pedestrians, and the general public.
The government stated that the exercise was primarily preventive, with the goal of identifying structural problems before they caused loss of life or property. Buildings that are judged to be beyond safe habitation or repair shall be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate rules.
The Housing and Urban Development Department will work with Urban Local Bodies and other government departments to ensure that inspections, notices, and following action are completed in a systematic and timely way.
The government has underlined that public safety is a top priority, and that unsafe structures that endanger lives and property will not be left ignored.
