BHUBANESWAR: On Tuesday, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra informed the assembly that all unsafe buildings identified in Cuttack will be demolished to mitigate potential hazards and ensure public safety.
In response to a written query during the winter session, Mahapatra stated, “A special committee has been formed to evaluate the structural integrity of buildings across all 59 wards under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC).”
The committee is conducting surveys to assess the structural safety of buildings in the ancient urban landscape, which features numerous aging and potentially unsafe structures. “The survey will yield a detailed list of vulnerable buildings, including both residential and commercial properties. Once identified, appropriate legal actions will be taken, and owners of unsafe buildings will first receive notices,” he added. He emphasized that demolition will be executed without delay. “The government will demolish these structures to eliminate risks and protect public safety,” Mahapatra asserted.
The urgency of this exercise has intensified following the balcony collapse on November 8 at Manisahu Chhak in Buxi Bazar, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three family members. They were residing in an asbestos-roof house adjacent to an old apartment, whose balcony collapsed, raising concerns regarding the condition of Cuttack’s older constructions.
Officials noted that many buildings in older areas like Buxi Bazar, Choudhury Bazar, Mangalabag, and Jobra have deteriorated over the years due to age, poor maintenance, and overcrowding.
The government’s initiative seeks to address long-standing issues regarding the declining urban infrastructure in Cuttack.
