‘Submit structural audit reports in 15 days or pay fine’ :Hindustan Times

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has asked all buildings and structures that are over 30 years old to submit structural audit reports at their own cost within 15 days, failing which they will be fined Rs25,000.

The civic body’s move comes after the collapse of Krishna Niwas in Naupada on Tuesday that claimed 12 lives.

“The TMC has instructed all constructions over 30 years to conduct structural audit and hand over the report to the ward officer concerned. If a housing society does not follow the civic body’s instructions, a fine of Rs25,000 will be slapped,” said a civic officer, on condition of anonymity.

“This would also mean added expenses as the civic body will conduct the structural audit and the cost incurred will be recovered as part of property tax. We have appointed a team of 92 experts to review the reports,” the official added.

The residents can contact their local ward office for details on the structural audit procedure. There are as many as 2,566 dangerous buildings in Thane city, while the corporation has no record of the number of buildings that are 30 years old.

“Once we get structural audit report, we will take action based on that. If any building needs urgent repairs, the requisite measures will be taken. Also, if any building is found to be dangerous, we will make sure the resident vacate their homes. The TMC will make alternate arrangement for them,” the official said.

The civic authorities have categorically declared that if the audit reports are not submitted in 15 days, the buildings will be considered dangerous and demolished.