Pune: In Azadnagar area, construction work for new buildings has come to a halt after improper excavation endangered five neighboring buildings. On the evening of August 22, metal sheets and soil from the excavation site collapsed, creating a loud noise that alarmed local residents. Fearing for their safety, residents of the nearby buildings stayed awake all night.
The excavation, conducted by Swaraj Properties on DP Road in Kothrud, was for the construction of two new buildings. However, inadequate precautions led to significant safety risks for the six adjacent residential buildings, where about seventy families reside. The foundation of one of these buildings has been exposed, further increasing the danger.
Due to these safety concerns, the Pune Municipal Corporation has issued an order to halt all construction work until further notice. The collapse of the metal sheets and soil was exacerbated by recent rainfall, according to Deputy Engineer Shrikant Gaikwad.
Local residents, including Vinayak Bhilare from Trimurti Colony, have expressed their concerns, emphasizing the need for proper safety measures and the importance of obtaining permission from nearby residents before starting such projects. Bhilare also mentioned that similar incidents had occurred earlier, with the first one reported on August 15.
Yuvraj Nimbalkar, Developer stated, “The engineers from the municipal corporation’s construction department visited the site. According to their instructions, safety measures will first be taken on the eastern side. Precautions will be taken to ensure that no inconvenience or accidents occur for local residents. The administration has ordered that work should not continue until further notice.”
Bipin Shinde, Engineer, Municipal Corporation stated, "The building plans for this location are approved. Excavation work was being carried out at the approved site. However, it was observed that the excavation was done without necessary safety measures, so construction has been suspended at the site."
Vishal Bhelke, another local resident, has warned that if any fatalities occur, the municipal officers responsible for overlooking the safety measures should face legal action.
