BENGALURU: The distressed residents of C Block of Queens’ Corner Apartment, which developed cracks after an excavation work by a builder next door, will have to continue to live in fear for the next six months to one year.
The BBMP Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which presented its interim report to BBMP Administrator T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, has stated that the building will have to be kept under observation for six months to one year to check the footing under the columns of C Block. It stated that one of the units of the Income Tax Officers’ Complex is under distress and need immediate shoring of soil.
If the building develops any new cracks or signs of distress, it should be immediately brought to the notice of Legacy builders, which is building 11-floor residential complex next door, and residents of have to be vacated, the report stated.
The report, however, pointed out that there is no immediate danger to the building. But as the TAC has not given cleared the building for occupation, the residents have to continue to live in the accommodation provided by the developers.
Mr Bhaskar said that the final report on the apartment is likely to be submitted by Friday and it could also spell out the quantum of punishment for Legacy builders. The report will be submitted by Technical Advisory Committee Chairman R. Jai Prasad, he said.
The report pointed out that Legacy builders have failed to maintain the required setback of 2 metres from the neighbouring property, while excavating the earth for double basement.
The builder has also diverted the existing water supply pipeline on the premises illegally which led to the flooding of the excavation pit, the report said. The issue was discussed with former IISc professor Srinivasamurthy, who has suggested that the outer face of the retaining wall has to be 2 metres from the neighbouring properties and to be taken up in lengths of 3 to 5 metres alternatively and the gaps of 3 to 5 metres to be taken up immediately.
Prof Srinivasamurthy, who had visited the site on June 15, is currently abroad. The IT complex should not be occupied until the area is restored and certified for occupancy, the report said.
