DDMA to initiate action plan to assess building safety

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is likely to initiate a comprehensive action plan to inspect and assess the condition of ageing buildings across the district ahead of the monsoon season. The initiative follows mounting public concern over the safety of old structures and a recent tragedy that underscored the risks posed by neglected infrastructure.

According to Revenue department sources, the plan is to identify buildings in both the public and private sectors that may be vulnerable to collapse due to age-related wear and environmental stressors. The inspection is expected to prioritise structures in densely populated commercial areas, ageing residential clusters, educational institutions and public buildings where large numbers of people gather.

The move gains momentum in the wake of the collapse of a five-decade-old Corporation building at Valiyangadi earlier this week, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incident also prompted the Kozhikode Corporation to order a structural audit of all its properties to prevent further mishaps.

DDMA officials emphasised the importance of early detection of structural weaknesses through regular inspections. According to them, many buildings were constructed at a time when risk assessments were minimal, and maintenance schedules were not strictly followed. With changing weather patterns and increased load on infrastructure, it is essential to evaluate structural stability through expert assessment, they said.

A senior Revenue department official said there were proposals to constitute a team of civil and structural engineers, in consultation with the Public Works department and local self-government institutions, to complete the task. The team would conduct detailed surveys of walls, foundations, beams, roofs and other critical components to determine whether a structure remains safe for occupancy. Buildings found unsafe would be marked for evacuation, he said.

In the wake of the Valiyangadi incident, Revenue department officials also urged residents and building owners to cooperate with survey teams, provide access to premises and submit any records relating to maintenance and previous repairs. Officials noted that past incidents, such as falling plaster or cracks in older buildings, highlight the need for a district-wide evaluation.

Sources said the first phase of the inspections is expected to be completed within three months, following which a consolidated report will be submitted to the Disaster Management Authority with recommendations for further action. Apart from this, local administrations will initiate their own measures to identify facilities under their control that require immediate maintenance support, they added.