Dearth of quality control increasing building collapses

Sulekha.com

Dearth of quality control during construction activities is the reason behind tumbling buildings, says expert structural engineer H.M. Raje. According to Raje, there is a constant need for quality control during each and every construction stage. However, there are often cases where builders compromise on their construction quality to cut down rising costs. Raje worked in his capacity as a structural consultant for the renovation and transformation of Mantralaya. He said that that, because of different types of people entering the construction sector, the quality of construction has suffered considerably. The renowned structural engineer noted that the collapse of buildings within a few years of their construction only implies that the quality of construction was poor. However, if the building collapses after 30 years, then it is due to the dearth of sufficient maintenance activities. Raje also added that a builder should not be allowed to carry out any alterations or variations in the existing building, without seeking technical view or assistance from a competent structural engineer. A few years back, Pankaj Ghosar, a Matunga-based real estate builder had put forth his grievance to  the Anti-Corruption Bureau, complaining against structural engineer Sailesh Mahimtura. In his complaint, he stated that Mahimtura demanded a bribe from him in lieu of officially confirming his plan for his Matunga-based South Indian Housing Society redevelopment project. Mahimtura, who is currently out on bail, was arrested soon after the incident.