Another building tilts in Kolkata's ward 59, local residents panic as structural risks rise

A multi-story building at 12 Loknath Bose Garden Lane, Ward 59, Kolkata, has tilted dangerously, prompting immediate concerns over its structural integrity. The building, constructed 7-8 years ago, has been leaning against an adjacent structure, with metal beams placed between the two buildings to stabilize the tilted building. These beams, installed on multiple floors, are intended to prevent further collapse. Local residents are reportedly fearful of the building's condition, which relies on these beams for support.

The incident comes amid a series of similar structural failures in Kolkata. In recent weeks, buildings in Bagha Jatin, Tangra, and Bidhannagar have faced similar issues, including a building collapse in Vidyasagar Colony, Ward 99, where the ground floor collapsed due to the building's tilt. The KMC (Kolkata Municipal Corporation) has already begun addressing these concerns and has requested the local councilor for detailed information about all potentially dangerous buildings in the area. The executive engineer from KMC has specifically asked for information about old buildings in Ward 59.

The tilted building in Ward 59 was constructed around 7-8 years ago, and its current state raises questions about the adherence to safety regulations during construction. As part of ongoing investigations, the KMC is reviewing the condition of other buildings in the vicinity, with a particular focus on older structures that may not have been subject to recent safety checks or upgrades. In addition, two buildings in Ward 23 of Bidhannagar were recently found to be leaning dangerously, and another building in South Narayanpur, Ward 3, also showed signs of tilting. These incidents further underscore concerns about the structural safety of older buildings in Kolkata.

The KMC has initiated measures to address the problem, with councilor Jolly Biswas confirming that the executive engineer has requested information on old buildings in the ward. Authorities are working to assess the safety of such buildings and implement corrective actions where necessary. The series of tilting buildings and collapses in the city point to systemic issues regarding construction practices and oversight, especially in older urban areas.