Finally, the worst fears expressed by S Block Welfare Society proved true when a portion of the “Nalla” wall, opp. to S 488, came crashing down on the morning of 5th Oct.24, damaging four cars very badly.
Secretary SBWS had informed various officials of MCD through WhatsApp messages, photos, & tel calls on 17th Sept. 24 onwards, repeatedly about the impending danger due to the cracked wall. Photos were shared showing huge cracks in the said wall. A voice message of three minutes and 10 seconds was also sent on 1st Oct. 24, warning that this wall may collapse at any time and can cause immense damage to life and property.
However, MCD officials did not pay any attention to these distress calls.
In the meantime, SBWS informed its members (around 750 Inc. Spouses) in WhatsApp groups run by it, on 17th Sept. & 19th Sept., requesting and cautioning them not to park their vehicles near the cracked wall.
Surprisingly, in a WhatsApp reply, on 17/09/24, the AE insisted that the wall belongs to TCIL & SBWS should approach them directly. Secretary SBWS, who has been residing as an adult in S Block since 1962, insisted that the wall was constructed by MCD from 1965 onwards in phases and has been repaired in the past by MCD.
Anyway, as predicted, the wall, measuring approximately 40 feet long, came crashing down at about 5.30 am on 5th Oct.24, damaging four cars quite badly.
SBWS very promptly informed the AE concerned & the new Dy. Commissioner SZ & councilor, etc. Police were also informed.
I must say that though it was a holiday, the Dy Commissioner took very prompt action and directed various officials to look into the issue. Shikha Rai also assured in a tel call that she would take up the matter.
By afternoon, after a lot of tel. discussions on the ownership of the wall, Shika Ji came with a team of officials, and it was decided to reconstruct the wall.
The work started on Sunday, 6th Oct itself, and is continuing.
However, it is regretted that if MCD officials had acted in time, some residents may not have suffered the loss.
On the flip side, let me also mention here that all the damaged cars belonged to non-members of SBWS, who are not in WhatsApp groups and consequently do not get timely inputs.
None of the members of SBWS suffered any loss as they had paid heed to the warning issued by Secy. On 17th Sept.24 itself.
The moral of the story: MCD or any government department must take prompt action on such information shared by RWAs, who in fact act as the eyes and ears of various government authorities.
2. Residents should become members of their respective proactive RWAs, strengthening their hands.
