Post-Moulivakkam: Designs of multi-storied buildings has to be vetted by SERC or Anna varsity

C Shivakumar
Chennai:

After the Moulivakkam tragedy, Chennai Metropolitan Development
Authority is now insisting on vetting of the structural design either
by Anna University or Structural Engineering Research Centre or IIT,
Madras before sanctioning planning permission.

Sources said that initially CMDA preferred to include the
superintending engineer of Public Works Department as a member of
multi-storied building panel but it has yet to get the stamp of
approval in PWD.

It is also learnt that a new format of certifications have been
prescribed to ensure that the design of the structure is made as per
the prescribed codes and the construction is carried out as per the
approved plan following codal provisions.

This also comes in the wake of the survey being carried out by CMDA on
416 buildings of which 278 deviated from the approved plan.

The deviations varied in number of columns, size of columns,
orientation of the columns and spacing between the columns. It is
learnt that CMDA’s enforcement cell has issued notices to 248
buildings.

Meanwhile, CMDA is also trying to take the lessons from other Indian
cities in regulating the developments. Sources revealed that the
planning body is studying the report furnished by five study teams who
were deputed to major cities like Bangaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai
and Kolkata post-Moulivakkam to study the procedures followed in
cities in regulating the development. The report is being discussed
with CREDAI and the government, sources source stated.

Meanwhile, CMDA has also stressed on the need for sites to be
inspected again before releasing the planning permission to verify the
status of construction.

CMDA also said that the demolition of Block A of Prime Shristi Housing
could not be carried out as High court quashed the proceedings of the
collector as well as district magistrate.

It is learnt that CMDA has already identified Mag Link Infrastructure
Project to demolish the unsafe structure by adopting implosion
technique at a cost of Rs 46.80 lakh.