In the backdrop the Altaf Mansion building collapse, senior Shiv Sena corporator Anuradha Pednekar has demanded that the BMC should set up its own laboratory to test building material used for construction or redevelopment of structures in the city.
On June 10, the five-storey Altaf Mansion collapsed in Mahim, killing 10 people. There were allegations of illegal constructions in the building and doubts were raised about the quality of construction material used.
In the notice of motion tabled before the civic general body meeting, Ms Pednekar said, “Building collapse mishaps have been happening quite frequently in the city. Most of the times, structural changes are found to be one of the main reasons for these mishaps. In addition, the material used for building construction is also found to be of substandard quality.”
The building material is tested in the presence of consultant, architect and civic engineers by the private company or in the government laboratory. Based on the reliability of its report, the building is constructed. However, none of them are held responsible if any of the buildings collapse, she added.
“To clear doubts about solidity of constructions, the BMC should set up its own laboratory for the testing of building material used for construction or redevelopment of these structures. The civic body should appoint expert officials in this lab and make mandatory for all to get tested all construction material from them,” said Ms Pednekar.