Wakad: Fire Department Takes Steps To Stabilize Tilted Building; PCMC To Take “Final” Decision On Demolition
Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 14th February 2024: An underconstruction building on Kala Khadak-Wakad police station road in Durga Colony, Thergaon, tilted on Tuesday night around 10 pm, creating widespread panic in the area. The structure, already attached to a neighbouring building, began to shift, prompting immediate action from the residents next door, who quickly alerted Pimpri Chinchwad fire brigade and police.
The incident raised concerns in the densely populated neighbourhood. Rahul Sarode promptly notified the Fire Brigade at 10.17 pm. Responding swiftly, teams from Pimpri and Thergaon fire stations, along with the police, rushed to the spot. Eyewitnesses gathered to witness the unnerving sight of the leaning building, fearing a potential collapse. Firefighters, in collaboration with the police, established safety perimeters around the site to protect onlookers.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Fire Department reported that a decision on how to address the precarious building is pending. The building department, encroachment department, town planning department, and disaster management department of PCMC will collectively assess the situation before deciding on a course of action, officials informed Punekar News.
Speculation arises regarding potential construction errors, with both the builder and architect present at the scene.
Last night, the PCMC Fire Department took several crucial steps to address the situation:
1. Ensured the evacuation of the neighbouring building as a precautionary measure.
2. Employed iron jacks and other materials to provide structural support to the tilted building, preventing potential collapse.
3. Coordinated with relevant departments of PCMC and MSEDCL for the prompt disconnection of electricity, minimizing the risk of electrical accidents.
4. Implemented barricading measures to control the crowd and restrict access, ensuring onlookers’ safety.
5. Engaged the assistance of the Wakad police to manage and maintain order among the growing crowd.
Sarode, one of the early individuals to arrive at the scene, told Punekar News, “Around 9:30/9:45 pm, the neighbours of the building in question were having dinner when they heard plaster and soil falling from both their apartment and the adjacent attached apartment. Upon inspection, they concluded that the building had shifted and tilted. I was informed the PCMC Main Fire Station in Sant Tukaram Nagar. Subsequently, three fire brigade vehicles were dispatched to our location. We utilized iron jacks to provide temporary support to the building. Attempts were made to employ a JCB for additional support, but it proved ineffective.”
Dolwani, the builder of the mentioned building, expressed, “The issue is not that significant. If the structure was prone to collapse, it would have happened yesterday. I don’t believe the building is in imminent danger, and it is repairable. However, the ultimate decision on the next steps will be made by PCMC, as they are the governing authority.”
According to PCMC officials, the building might have to be demolished and a call in this regard will be taken soon.
