Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its action against unsafe buildings in Odisha, ordering a time-bound inspection drive to identify structures that could pose a threat to life and property.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra has directed officials to form a 15-day inquiry and inspection team to assess potentially unsafe and structurally vulnerable buildings across the state. The exercise will cover both government and private structures.
The move comes amid renewed concern over building safety following a recent building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area. Odisha authorities are now seeking to identify vulnerable structures before they result in accidents or loss of life.
15-Day Inspection Team to Assess Unsafe Buildings in Odisha
According to reports, the specially constituted team will conduct detailed inspections of buildings identified as potentially unsafe and submit its findings within the stipulated 15-day period.
The assessment will determine which structures require further action. Buildings found to pose a serious risk to occupants, pedestrians or the general public could face action, including demolition where warranted.
The government has already assessed a number of unsafe government buildings and issued notices wherever necessary. Following a fresh review, officials have been instructed to accelerate the identification and action process.
Private Buildings Also Under the Safety Check
A significant aspect of the latest drive is that the inspection will not be limited to government-owned properties.
Unsafe private buildings will also come under scrutiny. Owners of structures found to be dangerous or structurally vulnerable may receive notices under the applicable rules and statutory provisions.
The government has also clarified that responsibility for action will depend on ownership and administrative jurisdiction. Buildings under the Housing and Urban Development Department will be dealt with by the department, while unsafe structures belonging to other government departments will be referred to the respective authorities.
Schools and Other Public Buildings in Focus
The safety exercise also includes vulnerable public structures such as schools and Anganwadi centres. Officials have already begun identifying weak school buildings, with action planned against structures found to be unsafe.
This is particularly important because unsafe public buildings can expose students, children, government employees and members of the public to avoidable risks.
Cuttack and Puri Among Areas Requiring Closer Attention
The wider inspection exercise is expected to be significant in urban areas where older structures and privately owned buildings remain in use.
Reports have specifically pointed to cities such as Cuttack and Puri, where several old structures may require closer examination by Urban Local Bodies and other competent authorities.
The objective is not simply to identify old buildings, but to determine which structures are actually unsafe and require intervention based on their structural condition.
Government Signals Action Against Dangerous Structures
The latest direction indicates that the Odisha government is moving from identification toward time-bound action against buildings that pose serious safety risks.
Once the inspection team submits its findings, authorities will decide the appropriate course of action based on the assessment. Structures considered beyond safe use and posing a serious threat may face demolition in accordance with applicable rules.
For residents and property owners, the inspection drive could therefore bring greater scrutiny of ageing and structurally vulnerable buildings across urban Odisha.
The unsafe buildings in Odisha drive is ultimately aimed at identifying structural risks before they turn into emergencies, while giving authorities a clearer basis for notices, repairs or demolition where necessary.
