Chief Secretary Sivdas meena has ordered all the district heads of government to take immediate steps to identify and dispose of the damaged buildings across tamil Nadu. A letter in this regard has been sent to all district Collectors. In that letter, there have been reports in the media about damaged public buildings and other constructions in many places across tamil Nadu. Therefore, to ensure the safety of the general public, it is very important to identify the damaged and dilapidated buildings and other structures. Therefore, a coordinated assessment and appropriate action should be taken regarding the damaged public buildings, schools, colleges, primary health centers, hospitals, Anganwadi centers, hostels, bus stands, office buildings and other critical infrastructure such as overhead reservoir tanks and bridges.

Accordingly, it has been informed that the damaged and dilapidated buildings should be identified and a complete survey of all public and government buildings and other infrastructures should be done in coordination with the relevant departments and agencies, and those that are damaged or on the verge of dilapidation should be confirmed and brought to the attention of the government for further action. It has also been ordered to assess whether the structure is stable or damaged and crumbling and if its stability is found to be stable, proper remedial measures should be taken to ensure safety and functionality.

In the letter, Chief Secretary Sivdas meena also advised that if the presence of dilapidated structures and dangerously located buildings is found during the inspection, all steps should be taken to demolish them safely by following appropriate procedures. Further, “Prohibition of use of damaged buildings should be clearly announced until proper repair work or reconstruction work is carried out on the damaged and dilapidated buildings. Important public places like schools, colleges, hostels, hospitals, primary stations, Anganwadi centers, bus stands and other important structures should be given special attention. This important work should be carried out before the onset of North east Monsoon, by 30.09.2023 ensuring safety features and safeguarding public welfare.” It is also mentioned in the letter.

A detailed and complete report should be sent to the Additional Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Revenue Administration regarding the buildings identified in each district, the buildings that have undergone repair work and the buildings that have fallen into disrepair. Therefore, the Chief Secretary Shivdas meena IAS has written to all the district Heads of government that, considering it our primary duty to ensure the safety of the general public, the concerned district Collector and higher officers should pay special attention and conduct periodic inspections and ensure that the report related to these actions is brought to the attention of the government.