Is Bhavnagar Ready for the Monsoon? 33 Unsafe Buildings Evacuated!
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Synopsis
As the monsoon approaches, Bhavnagar's Municipal Corporation takes swift action with the evacuation of 33 hazardous buildings to ensure safety. This article delves into the extensive pre-monsoon preparations being made to protect residents and infrastructure from impending rainfall, highlighting the urgent measures being implemented across the region.
Key Takeaways
- 33 multi-storey buildings in Bhavnagar evacuated due to potential risks.
- Comprehensive pre-monsoon preparations are underway.
- 227 dilapidated properties identified as hazardous.
- Proactive measures in government housing areas are being taken.
- Other cities like Surat and Jamnagar are also on high alert.
Bhavnagar, June 1 (NationPress) As the monsoon season approaches, expected to arrive within the next 15 days, the Municipal Corporation of Bhavnagar has initiated its pre-monsoon preparations.
A major aspect of this initiative includes a comprehensive survey conducted by the Estate Department, which has pinpointed 227 dilapidated structures, inclusive of 91 multi-storey buildings, that may pose significant risks during heavy rainfall.
Among these, 33 multi-storey buildings have been classified as critically hazardous, prompting the administration to issue final evacuation notices to both residents and commercial tenants.
Property owners have been mandated to vacate these buildings immediately due to their failure to execute necessary safety repairs despite prior warnings.
In 51 of the 91 high-rise buildings, conditions are so perilous that the Corporation has decided to disconnect essential services such as electricity, water, and sewerage, with this action set to commence next week.
In parallel, the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has kicked off extensive pre-monsoon activities across various departments, including road maintenance, drainage systems, stormwater management, street lighting, fire safety, and tree trimming.
This coordinated approach aims to reduce potential disruptions and mitigate risks ahead of the anticipated rainfall, which the State Meteorological Department has warned will soon impact the region.
The civic authority is also taking proactive measures in government housing sectors.
The Estate Department has reached out to the Rajkot office of the Gujarat Housing Board, highlighting 1,177 houses across 81 blocks in 11 settlements in Bhavnagar as structurally unsound. Immediate vacation or suspension of use for these units has been recommended.
Furthermore, notices have been issued to vacate 660 houses in 55 blocks within nine settlements, further emphasizing the administration's commitment to pre-monsoon safety.
Officials have invoked Section 264 of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations (GPMC) Act, urging prompt repairs or evacuation of dangerous structures to avert potential disasters during the rains.
In Surat, the Municipal Corporation has alerted owners of 15 old and dangerous buildings in the historic city area, directing them to perform immediate repairs or demolish the structures to prevent accidents.
Rajkot officials have adopted a strict approach towards neglected repairs in the Gokuldam Housing Scheme, informing residents that water supply may be cut off if essential maintenance is not swiftly undertaken.
A tragic incident in Jamnagar saw a three-storey building in Sadhna Colony collapse, resulting in three deaths. This has led the Gujarat Housing Board to survey around 6,000 homes built in the Saurashtra region to identify and address risks linked to aging buildings.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad is actively tackling monsoon challenges by investing over Rs 10 crore in constructing percolating wells across the city to manage rainwater buildup.
Moreover, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has endorsed building designs with elevated plinth levels to prevent water ingress during heavy downpours.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of municipal preparedness in safeguarding public safety during the monsoon season. The proactive measures taken by the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation demonstrate a commitment to addressing structural hazards and ensuring community resilience against potential disasters. This approach should be a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of buildings in Bhavnagar?
The Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation has identified 227 dilapidated buildings, with 33 deemed critically hazardous, leading to evacuation notices for residents.
What actions are being taken to ensure safety during the monsoon?
The Municipal Corporation is disconnecting services from severely unsafe buildings and conducting comprehensive pre-monsoon preparations across various departments.
How many houses are considered structurally unsafe?
The Estate Department has flagged 1,177 houses in Bhavnagar as structurally unsafe, urging immediate action.
What happened in Jamnagar related to building safety?
A three-storey building in Sadhna Colony collapsed, resulting in three fatalities and prompting a survey of 6,000 homes for safety concerns.
How is Ahmedabad preparing for the monsoon?
Ahmedabad is investing over Rs 10 crore in constructing percolating wells and promoting elevated building designs to manage rainwater and prevent flooding.
