Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation Takes Action Against Unsafe Construction
Demolition of Unauthorized Building in Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh, Dec 4: In a decisive move against serious breaches of construction regulations, the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) commenced the demolition of an unauthorized multi-storey RCC (G+4) building in Loharpatty on Wednesday. The operation, which relied solely on hammers and chisels, left many spectators astonished at the labor-intensive approach.
This action follows a tragic incident on November 19, when 52-year-old Salma Begum, a nearby resident, tragically lost her life due to falling construction debris from the site. Her untimely death sparked outrage and concern among the local community, prompting a swift response from the authorities.
Municipal officials revealed that the building, owned by Yunus Khan, was erected on 7.75 lessa of land in Ward No. 10 without the necessary permissions, violating the Assam Unified Building Construction Regulation Bye-Laws, 2022. The structure had ignored essential safety and regulatory protocols.
According to DMC officials, the building was deemed structurally unsound, posing a significant risk of collapse under normal circumstances and especially during natural disasters. They emphasized that its continued presence endangered the lives of residents in the densely populated area.
“Given the severe risk associated with this illegal construction, immediate demolition was essential for public safety, and the municipality has made the right choice in proceeding with this action,” stated Samsun Nahar Hussain Ahmed, the local Ward Commissioner.
As the slow process of manual demolition continued, residents of Loharpatty expressed their emotions, calling for justice for Salma Begum. They urged the state government to provide adequate compensation and support for her grieving family, labeling her death a preventable tragedy resulting from gross negligence. Mahtab Miya, the son of the deceased, also called for justice for his mother.
The demolition was conducted under strict oversight, with officials from the district administration, police, APDCL, and SDRF personnel present to ensure safety and maintain order.