NDRF team to be permanently stationed in Thane

Thane, Aug 12: The district administration has decide to have an NDRF team permanently stationed here for quick response in view of the recent incidents of building collapse in Thane.

Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde told this to reporters last evening after a review meeting with senior district officials.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team would initially be accommodated at a temporary place.

At a pre-monsoon review meeting of the district, the Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Corporation had raised the issue and sought stationing of the NDRF at Thane to avoid any delay in responding to mishaps.

During the last one year, there have been several incidents of building collapse and other mishaps in which about 40 people lost their lives.

The incidents discussed at the meeting yesterday included the two recent building collapses in Bhiwandi, the industrial mishap at Dombivili MIDC and also another building collapse in Thane city.

Shinde also directed the authorities to issue certificate of occupation to all those who are made to vacate the 'dangerous' (category) buildings, which are to be pulled down by the civic bodies.

The occupants should not lose their right of dwelling when the plot is taken for redevelopment, he said, adding that the owner/builder will not be issued occupancy certificate till he guarantees accommodation to occupants in the new structure. Till then, they should be either given alternative accommodation or rent for the occupancy, the minister said.

It was also decided at the meeting that all buildings which have completed 10-15 years will go in for structural audit in addition to those which have completed 30 years. The meeting was informed that there were a total of 3,335 'dangerous' buildings in Thane city, and 90 'most dangerous', of which 25 have been razed so far.

There were 357 dangerous buildings in Kalyan and 60 most dangerous buildings were being pulled down. In Bhiwandi, there were 216 most dangerous buildings of which 27 have become dilapidated and the process of pulling them down was on.

Besides, there were 500 dangerous buildings in the powerloom town. Also, Ulhasnagar has 50 most dangerous and 77 dangerous buildings, Ambernath has 87 dangerous buildings and Badlapur has 32.

PTI