ZODIN SANGA
AIZAWL, June 17: A large four-storey
building at Hunthar neighbourhood
in Aizawl that is on the verge of collapse
with chances of causing disastrous effects
has caused nightmares for the nearby
residents.
The building belonging to a high-profile
government official, late B Sairengpuii,
sister-in-law of Chief Minister Lal
Thanhawla, is one of several houses in
the area affected by subsidence of land
for quite some time. Last year, the local
administration had dismantled six other
vulnerable buildings while a three-storied
building collapsed.
The major building in the affected area
that belongs to Sairengpuii was also ordered
to be demolished, which has not
been done till today.
Rumours did the rounds since last year
that the building was insured and the
owners would not be able to claim insurance in case of demolition. The rumours
said this was the main reason for the building
not being demolished.
Recent heavy rains have worsened
the situation as huge portion of the soil
on which the building stood has slid, leaving
a large hole under the building.
The National Highway that connects
Aizawl and the State’s sole airport Lengpui
Airport and western parts of Mizoram
runs through the sinking zone, which
means this road is likely to be blocked.
A five-member Quick Response Team
under Aizawl District Disaster Management
Authority (ADDMA) has been
standing guard since Friday night in case
of any eventuality.
QRT team members said it is difficult
to predict the consequences that collapse
of the building can cause. They said Hazard
Safety Cell will prepare safety measures
on how to deal with the building.
ADDMA officials said demolition order
for the building has been issued
last year. Even though the order has
not been revoked, the building is yet
to be demolished.
The family members said after they
received the demolition order, landslide
re-occurred as they started demolition.
As the situation appeared to improve later,
they did not resume the demolition.
However, as the situation got worse this
monsoon, they have evacuated the building.
Geological experts said there is no
way to prevent the building from collapsing.
What can be done is to prevent
collateral damage.
There are chances that if the building
collapses, huge portion of the road, which
is part of the National Highway, that runs
on the upper side of the building will go
with it, and also put several other houses
nearby in danger.
Meanwhile, flood situation in low-lying
areas of Mizoram has improved after
the State has experienced no rains since
the last three days.
Post a Comment