The Odisha government has decided to identify all dangerously dilapidated buildings across the state and take steps to demolish structures that pose a threat to public safety. The move is aimed at preventing accidents and protecting lives and property, particularly in urban areas.
Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said old and structurally weak buildings across different cities and urban areas will be inspected. Buildings that pose an immediate risk to people’s lives will be identified on a priority basis and action will be taken to remove them.
Several old buildings are still in use across Odisha. Over time, the roofs, walls and other structural components of some of these buildings have weakened considerably. Such structures can become particularly dangerous during heavy rain, cyclones and other natural disasters, increasing the risk of collapse and accidents.
As part of the proposed exercise, the concerned departments and local administrations will prepare a list of potentially dangerous buildings. Officials will assess various factors, including the age of the structure, its construction condition, structural weaknesses and the movement of people around or inside the building.
Following the inspection, buildings classified as highly dangerous will be considered for demolition. However, structures that can be made safe through repairs will not necessarily be demolished. Necessary repairs and structural strengthening will be carried out wherever feasible.
Buildings that have deteriorated to such an extent that repairs are no longer practical will be given priority for demolition.
The government initiative is primarily aimed at preventing incidents involving the collapse of unsafe buildings in urban areas. Authorities expect that identifying and removing such structures will reduce the risk of accidents and strengthen public safety.
The exercise is also expected to provide local administrations with a clearer assessment of the condition of old buildings and help them take timely action before such structures become a serious threat to residents and passers-by.