In Kozhikode city,over a hundred structurally unsafe buildings pose a significant threat to public safety,yet local authorities have been slow to act. delay in demolishing these dilapidated structures follows repeated recommendations from the engineering wing of the Kozhikode Corporation,which has urged immediate action. However, the administrators have opted to wait for technical clearance from higher authorities, prolonging the risk .
The urgency of situation became evident after a tragic incident at Valiyangadi,where the collapse of a sunshade from Corporation building resulted in four fatalities. Despite this,no decisive measures have been taken to rectify problem. issue extends beyond public properties; numerous old private buildings also remain unchecked for structural integrity .
Recent events, such as the collapse of clock tower at the Kozhikode railway station,have further highlighted negligence surrounding the timely demolition of hazardous structures. Many of these aging buildings, while appearing intact from the outside, conceal severely deteriorated walls and roofs. Areas like Palayam,S.M. Street,and Kozhikode beach are particularly affected,where weak structures are concentrated amidst bustling commercial activities .
Alarmingly, some of these old private residences are being rented out to migrant workers,raising serious safety concerns. Allegations have surfaced that the Corporation renews trade licenses without conducting thorough structural assessments, allowing unsafe buildings to remain in use. Landlords often point fingers at non-cooperative tenants,claiming that reluctance to vacate premises hampers necessary maintenance and reconstruction efforts.
“Beyond structural hazards, these abandoned and unmaintained structures have increasingly transformed into dangerous havens for anti-social elements,”
said Vinod Kumar, a representative from local residents’ association in Mavoor. He noted that without security measures, derelict sites,including the old Comtrust factory and the abandoned Grasim factory, have become hotspots for drug trafficking and criminal activities. Police officials involved in Operation Toofan,aimed at curbing drug trafficking, have corroborated these claims,indicating that such unguarded locations serve as hideouts for illegal operations.
In addition to criminal activity,areas like Athanikkal and Puthiyara have reported that these neglected properties have become breeding grounds for snakes, further endangering the community. Local Self-Government department officials attribute delays in demolishing these unsafe buildings to complex legal disputes over property rights .
While structural safety audits for public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, are conducted regularly,no similar protocols exist for private structures, raising concerns among officials. However, a building inspector from the Corporation has assured that demolition efforts will commence soon,guided by a technical report and assessments from expert team. The initial focus will be on dilapidated government facilities, marking a potential turning point in addressing the safety crisis.
