What Actions are Being Taken to Identify Unsafe Public Buildings?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In light of recent tragedies, Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered an urgent assessment of structurally unsafe public buildings. This initiative focuses on schools, hospitals, and more, aiming to ensure safety and prevent further accidents. Read about the measures being implemented and the unfortunate incidents that prompted this directive.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent safety assessments are mandated for public buildings.
- Focus on schools and hospitals to ensure safety.
- New software will assist in tracking hazardous buildings.
- Proactive measures follow tragic incidents.
- Collaboration with local authorities is essential for implementation.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, has instructed the State Disaster Management Department to identify and document all structurally unsafe buildings throughout the state, with a focus on schools, hospitals, and other public facilities, within a two-week timeframe.
This order was given during a crucial meeting aimed at evaluating the state's disaster response and infrastructure safety.
Attendees included Ministers K. Rajan (Revenue), K. N. Balagopal (Finance), P. A. Mohammed Riyas (Public Works), V. Sivankutty (General Education), and Veena George (Health), alongside Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak, senior officials, and District Collectors.
During the meeting, CM Vijayan stressed the importance of gathering information on buildings that are either in severe disrepair and need to be demolished or require immediate repairs.
He also emphasized that the demolition of school structures should be prioritized during school holidays to avoid interfering with academic schedules.
Authorities were instructed to ensure that until reconstruction is finished, alternative arrangements for classes must be established in collaboration with local self-governments, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and the Education Department.
Additionally, the CM mandated that the safety inspections encompass unaided (private sector) school buildings for thorough evaluation.
A dedicated software system will be developed by the government to facilitate the reporting and tracking of hazardous structures.
Furthermore, the Chief Electrical Inspector, working together with engineers from the Local Self-Government, Public Works, and Electrical Departments, is tasked with establishing a joint inspection mechanism to evaluate electrical safety in public buildings.
This directive follows the tragic incident involving a 13-year-old boy, Mithun, who tragically lost his life last month while trying to retrieve a slipper from a cycle shed roof at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam.
He was electrocuted when he accidentally touched a low-lying three-phase power line. The cycle shed was built eight years ago and had live power lines running above its roof.
Another unfortunate event occurred at Kottayam Medical College, where a woman died due to a collapsed block while she was in the restroom, which was reportedly closed.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the urgency in addressing infrastructure safety. The Kerala government's proactive measures reflect a commitment to public safety and accountability. Our nation must prioritize such initiatives to prevent tragedies like those we've recently witnessed.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Kerala government to take action on unsafe buildings?
The government was prompted to act following tragic incidents, including the death of a student due to electrocution and another incident involving a collapsed restroom block.
What types of buildings are being assessed for safety?
The assessment focuses on schools, hospitals, and other public institutions, including private school buildings.
How will the safety inspections be conducted?
A dedicated software will be developed to log unsafe buildings, and a joint inspection mechanism involving various departments will be established.
What steps are being taken to minimize disruption during school building demolitions?
Demolitions will be prioritized during school holidays, and alternative arrangements for classes will be made in cooperation with local bodies.
How long will the identification process take?
The Chief Minister has set a deadline of two weeks for the identification and reporting of unsafe buildings.
