Ahmedabad: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has taken decisive action in response to safety concerns at Man Darwaja Tenement, disconnecting water supply to 122 apartments amidst ongoing efforts to mitigate structural risks following a recent building collapse in Sachin GIDC that claimed seven lives.
The move forms part of an accelerated initiative to demolish vulnerable buildings developed by the civic body, deemed structurally weak since 2017. The affected housing colony accommodates 922 families, totaling approximately 3,600 residents, across 12 buildings with 992 flats. Despite the buildings’ structural deficiencies identified years ago and subsequent plans for redevelopment, a significant portion of residents had resisted vacating, stalling renovation efforts. Following the tragic collapse incident, SMC intensified engagement with residents and commenced enforcement actions.
On Monday, a robust deployment of around 150 SMC officers, including engineering teams and medical personnel, oversaw the initial phase of disconnections at Man Darwaja Tenement. Citing imminent risks highlighted by recent structural assessments, an SMC spokesperson stressed the necessity of precautionary measures to avert potential disasters, particularly during the monsoon season. The corporation’s stringent implementation led to water supply being severed to 112 apartments on the first day, prompting increased preparations among affected families to relocate. Notably, half of the 922 families are tenants, adding complexity to the relocation process.
Earlier attempts to persuade residents to vacate resulted in the voluntary departure of 324 individuals from five buildings. The complex, integral to the community with amenities such as a shopping complex, anganwadi, school, and fire station, occupies approximately 45,000 square feet of land slated for clearance upon completion of demolition activities. Despite the SMC’s efforts to prioritize safety, the disconnection sparked protests from residents contesting the evacuation orders, highlighting the emotive and logistical challenges involved in such enforcement actions. Moving forward, the SMC remains committed to enforcing structural integrity standards across Surat’s residential properties, underscoring the imperative of proactive urban planning and compliance with safety protocols to safeguard public welfare and mitigate risks associated with aging infrastructure.
