Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 18: An old building collapsed in the heart of the city here on Friday, September 18.
'Royal Mahal', a three-storeyed building located close to government mother and child hospital near Chittaranjan circle, collapsed damaging nearby constructions.
The first and the second floor of the complex housed a lodging facility, one of the first ones in the city.
A food stall and a laundry shop which were part of the building were completely crushed in the incident.
The building was in a dilapidated condition for several years. The building is reportedly more than 50 years old and continuous rain recently weakened the structure.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Sources said that MESCOM had disconnected power connection to the building in the morning, which prevented further damage.
Even though one section of the building collapsed, the other section of Royal Mahal which contains, two hotels, a bakery and a petty shop are still conducting their businesses. This particular section of the building has a very narrow road leading to it and the four shops in this building have been operating their business as usual.
Meanwhile, the police have blocked the one-way road on the other side where the building collapsed.
Taking cognisance of the incident, CMC has undertaken precautionary steps to prevent another such disaster from occurring. Speaking on the situation, CMC commissioner Anand Kallolikar said, "We have decided to conduct a survey and will issue a notice to all the old buildings in the city. There are several buildings and commercial complexes which are in a wretched state. However, these buildings still have shops on rent which are conducting business as usual. Some of these old buildings are made of clay and therefore pose a danger during monsoons. As per the Karnataka Municipal Council Act, notice will be issued to them. CMC will provide the owners one month time to clear the facility. In the event they do not, CMC will demolish the structures. So we request the owners to co-operate with the authorities."