Panic gripped residents of Malviya Nagar's Sector-9 in Jaipur on Saturday after a five-storey building under construction developed large cracks and began to tilt dangerously. The incident prompted a swift emergency response, with authorities rushing teams to the spot and evacuating people from nearby homes as a precautionary measure.
Illegal Construction and Cause of the Tilt
The structure, located opposite the Amit Bhardwaj petrol pump, was being developed as a hotel. Officials investigating the scare revealed a critical lapse: the hotel was being built without an approved building plan. The immediate cause of the tilt was traced to excavation work. After completing the main structure, workers began digging to create a basement. This activity caused the supporting soil to sink, leading to the building leaning to one side.
Visible Damage and Emergency Measures
The damage was extensive and clearly visible, with cracks running from the newly dug basement all the way up to the upper floors. To prevent a potential collapse and secure the site, authorities deployed three large cranes to provide temporary support to the unstable structure. The sight of the tilting building and emergency machinery caused significant anxiety in the neighborhood.
Aftermath and Official Response
The primary focus of the officials was on public safety. Evacuation of nearby residents was carried out to avoid any risk to life in case the building's condition worsened. The incident has highlighted serious concerns about unauthorized construction and violations of building safety codes in the area. An investigation into the lack of an approved plan and the oversight of the construction activity is expected to follow.
This event in Jaipur serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal construction practices. It underscores the importance of strict adherence to sanctioned building plans and proper engineering protocols, especially for multi-storey structures, to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.
