LUDHIANA: The town planning department has completed a new survey identifying 159 unsafe buildings across the city, covering all four zones. Officials have compiled a list and issued notices to the owners of these properties.
The survey indicates that Zone D has the highest number of unsafe buildings at 55, while Zone A, which includes the old city, has 48. Zones B and C follow with 21 and 35 unsafe buildings, respectively. Comparatively, a 2021 survey showed Zone A had 64 unsafe buildings, with Zones B, C, and D reporting 21, 38, and 33 unsafe buildings, respectively.
An official noted that most of these unsafe buildings serve as residences, with tenants living in conditions that jeopardize their safety. In many instances, the only recourse for the civic body has been to send notices to the owners, and tenant-owner disputes often hinder further action.
The municipal corporation has issued notices under Section 273 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, requiring owners to repair or demolish these unsafe structures. Should they fail to comply, they will bear responsibility for any accidents arising from collapses, especially during the rainy season. Civic officials are also coordinating with the police to vacate these buildings, as they endanger resident safety.
MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal indicated that the building branch was tasked with surveying the city recently. Based on these findings, notices have been dispatched to owners, compelling them to take necessary actions against unsafe structures.
Areas around Chaura Bazaar and adjacent markets are populated with dilapidated buildings, posing significant risks. Dangerous structures are prevalent in Chaura Bazaar, Chauri Sadak, Jawahar Nagar Camp, Daresi, Gill Road, Field Ganj, Lakkar Bazaar, Nadiyan Mohalla, Jawaddi, Model Town Extension, Islam Ganj, Ajit Nagar, Moti Nagar, Amarpura, and Tajpur Road.
Previous Incidents
Oct 1, 2024: A woman and her infant narrowly escaped when an unsafe building collapsed in Bandeyan Mohalla near Chawal Bazaar.
Feb 3, 2023: An old building fell in Karta Ram Street, Chaura Bazaar.
Aug 12, 2021: Over 10 individuals were injured when an unsafe building collapsed.
Aug 14, 2021: The floor of a building in the process of being dismantled collapsed.
