An excellent suggestion by the Think Tank, Amit Aggarwal for getting structural audit of each flat done to avoid an earthquake hazard.
2 Yes, this audit is a must, especially for DDA flats, built by contractors on behalf of the DDA (no need to emphasize the nexus between the concerned parties and lack of any practical checking (checking and certification on paper only) of the structural strength by the Dept, known for its integrity – no casting of any aspersion on this universal truth).
3 Earlier I had brought to your notice about the dangerous design (closely knit) as well as the rampart additions and alterations in multi storey buildings in the new D6 (Ganga, Saraswati). Surprisingly, adjacent to D8, the height of the buildings was restricted to 2 storeys only, because of the path of the overflying aircraft.
4 Earlier, I had also brought out, that the top floor residents claim exclusive rights of the common terrace, for adding another flat for renting it out. In support of their right, they produce a copy of a DDA sanction letter (issued by the Dept of Enforcement- who didn’t have auth to issue such a policy letter defying provisions on enhancement of floor area and resultant increase in property tax as well as change of land use, besides the additional flat constructed on the terrace be treated as a commercial property (since rented) and attract coml rates for elec, LPG and water consumption. In fact, the RWA should also charge subscription from each addl unit/single room tenant. As it is, soon the govt would start charging for colony car parking and restrict car parking per flat to two cars and a punitive charge above this limit (as presently in Sec A).
- Further, the multi-Storey flats are made structurally weak, due to continuous overflowing of water from OH water tanks, since the top floor occupant lock the approach staircase to the terrace, denying access for checking the water tanks / TV antennas. Incidentally, soon the govt would make roof solar panels and water harvesting compulsory, which would be hindered by the top floor occupants, not willing to lose their booty of the common terrace and approach staircase.
- Now coming to the structural audit, who (agency) would do it and liability of the flat owner for the inspection fee besides certifying the proper retrofitting, where required. Pvt structure engineers charge astronomical fee for such consultations. It’s easier said than done as most of the flat owners are not even willing to contribute towards the RWA charges.
7 In co-owned DDA buildings, no owner has right over the land (plot) and naturally everybody is concerned for his portion of the building and as such common facilities like cleanliness, lifts, drain pipes is concern of no one.
8 Rule quoted of the Unified Building Byelaws, are meaningless for additions and alterations, since the same are done by the mazdoors. Where would you trace the Bihari worker, to make him liable for any structural defects, caused by such unauthorized additions to the flat. It’s the flat owner, alone, who ordered such greedy extns is liable. But who and how the damages of the entire building would be recovered from the concerned defaulter flat owner. It’s the law enforcement auth (police, MCD, DDA), who allowed such additions and alteration, made to pay the damages. - Even the best Pocket so far (D6 Santushti, all managed by women power), has more than 100 defaulters for the RWA subscription. The common ground for non-payment is that a major portion of the RWA charges goes towards the Security Guard Agency. The untrained guards are changed every day, are put on 12 hrs duty (to save salary of one Guard), who just sleep on duty or are engrossed with the mob and are more of a security hazard. The guards also utilized by the appointment holders (jagirdars)of the RWA for car cleaning and other market errands. The occupants like to have own kooda-wala for better command control. As such the RWA has nothing else to do than provide these two Services, to demand a monthly subscription.
- I had pre-informed about a very useful workshop on Earthquake risks organised at the IIC on 12 Apr 23, but none from your Mag attended it.
11 May initiate action as deemed fit, on, usurping and construction of additional flat on the terrace, in this Seismic prone V Kunj.
