Bhubaneswar, Sept 8: Crumbling plaster, cracks and overgrown vegetation have turned several old buildings across Bhubaneswar into potential death traps, raising serious questions over the authorities’ response.
The Alokbharati Market Complex in Saheed Nagar, built by the BDA in 1987, is now in a dilapidated condition. Plaster is falling from the structure and vegetation has grown across the building. Despite being nearly 39 years old and reportedly unsafe, several government offices and a bank continue to function there.
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The condition of Priyadarshi Market is also reportedly poor, with several shops in a deteriorating state. Despite plans for demolition, commercial activities continue and hundreds of people visit the complex every day.
The state government had earlier informed the Odisha Assembly that more than 1,000 buildings in Bhubaneswar were in dangerous condition, while over 200 unsafe buildings were identified in Cuttack.
Several old government quarters in Unit-I, Unit-II, Unit-III and Unit-IX, as well as structures in Old Bhubaneswar and OUAT areas, are also showing signs of ageing and structural damage. Many of these buildings continue to be used despite inadequate maintenance.
The issue has assumed greater significance following the collapse of a five-storey building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, which claimed seven lives and left several others injured.
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Following the Delhi tragedy, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krishna Chandra Mahapatra said unsafe buildings across urban areas would be inspected. However, residents are questioning when the inspections will actually begin.
With several ageing structures still in use, people fear authorities may act only after a tragedy occurs. The demand is clear: identify, repair or demolish dangerous buildings before they claim lives.
