Chennai Silks building: We violated norms 18 years ago, says managing director

Chennai: “Yes, norms were violated 18 years ago when we constructed the building,” a top executive of The Chennai Silks told DC. While accepting the lapse on their part, the executive lamented that it is unfair to point fingers at them now as most of the commercial structures in T Nagar built during that time had violated norms.

Speaking to DC, managing director of the Chennai Silks K. Manickam said that they are expecting to rebuild in the same location with proper approval from authorities concerned. “We are targeting to open before Deepavali with all amenities as per government norms,” Mr Manickam said.

Requesting anonymity, another top executive of the company, said that the building has been insured for close to Rs 200 crore and the losses would be covered. The executive further claimed that lackadaisical response from the fire department led to fire spreading to other areas and could have been contained had they acted promptly.

“They had two hours before the fire spread from the basement to the other floors. But, they didn’t act as they were not prepared,” the executive claimed. A senior fire official brushed down their allegation.

A fire safety audit conducted in 2015 by fire department indicated several fire safety violations in many commercial buildings including Chennai Silks following which the department refused to process the renewal of the No-Objection Certificate, the official said.

While the owners and management had to deal with loss of one of their properties, it is a question of livelihood for more than 1,000 persons employed in the T Nagar branch.

“All the staff will be retained. No one will be out of job. For a short period, they will be shifted to other branches,” the MD said.