Thrissur Corporation cracks down on unsafe buildings
The Thrissur Corporation is taking a firm stance on dangerous and structurally unsafe buildings within city limits. Buildings, housing and commercial establishments that have repeatedly ignored notices and failed to produce stability certificates will now face strict action, according to Mayor M.K. Varghese.
Despite being issued multiple warnings, several building owners have not complied with safety norms, prompting the corporation to act. Mayor Varghese publicly announced that there will be no more dialogue — only action — when it comes to unsafe structures.
Demolition begins
The demolition of the Manorama Building near Swaraj Round has already begun. The Corporation and the District Disaster Management Authority are taking the action under the provisions of the National Disaster Management Act. More such demolitions are expected soon as the corporation plans to expand this effort across the city.
Out of 227 identified old buildings, decisions have already been made regarding 144. The process will take place in three phases, the Mayor said. The first phase will focus on buildings considered to be in the most critical condition. Corporation is taking action as owners and business operators have not taken steps to ensure the safety of these buildings, the Mayor said.
Even some of the Corporation-owned buildings are found to be unsafe. Urgent safety measures initiated for those buildings, Mayor Varghese confirmed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Birders raise concern over drop in bird species at Periyakulam in Coimbatore
Birdwatchers claim the number of bird species visiting Periyakulam at Ukkadam in Coimbatore city has dropped significantly in the recent years, citing increased commercial infrastructure and human activity around the lake developed by the Coimbatore Corporation under the Smart Cities Mission. K. Selvaganesh, a birdwatcher who has been monitoring the lake for over a decade, said species such as the green-winged teal, painted stork, and paddyfield pipit are now rarely spotted. 'Earlier, we could record over 120 species a year. In 2023, only 116 were observed, in 2024 it was 86, and this year so far, just 82. Amphitheatre events, noise from boats, food kiosks, zip lining, and zip cycling are disturbing the natural behaviour of birds. Lighting around the lake is also an issue. Just like we cannot sleep with lights in our face, birds too need darkness where they roost,' he said. To support lakefront maintenance and public engagement, the civic body introduced facilities including an amphitheatre, zip line, boating service, and food courts. However, bird enthusiasts say these changes are unsuitable for a wetland that has long served as a wintering ground for migratory species as well as resident birds. Lake's seasonal rhythm affected R. Karthikeyan, another regular birdwatcher at the lake who last visited in April this year, said that floating solar panels and the practice of retaining water year-round have affected the lake's natural seasonal rhythm. 'The tank used to dry up during summer, exposing shallow patches and aquatic vegetation that supported species like the red-wattled lapwing, black-winged stilt, and jacanas. Now, with water stored throughout the year, that seasonal wetland dynamic—its hydroperiod—is disrupted,' he said. He added that earlier, livestock such as sheep and cattle would graze along the bunds, maintaining open spaces and controlling grass growth. 'Now everything is gated and concretised. That vegetation structure is lost. Birdwatching itself is restricted at night because the lakefront is closed to the public.' A Corporation official said they have been focusing on maintaining biodiversity at the tank. Night-time activities are regulated to avoid disturbance to wildlife, the official added.
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Hans India
Chittoor MLA for curbing plastic usage
Chittoor: Environment protection is the responsibility of every citizen and people should voluntarily involve in planting saplings, stated Chittoor MLA Gurajala Jagan Mohan. On Thursday, he participated in the World Environment Day and Vanamahotsavam organised by forest department in Chittoor. The MLA said maintaining ecological balance is essential for human survival and wanted the people to reduce plastic usage to the minimum. Stating that raising temperatures are the result of deforestation, he said by taking up tree plantation in a big way we can save the environment. Students should take up planting trees in their schools and colleges to improve greenery. DFO Bharani said that following the government directions, the forest department targeted to plant 30 lakh saplings in Chittoor district. Deputy Mayor Rajesh Kumar Reddy, NGO Representatives, students participated in the programme. Meanwhile in Tirupati, 'Safeguarding our environment is the only way for human survival and a disease-free society,' stated city MLA Arani Srinivasulu. On World Environment Day, along with Corporation Commissioner N Mourya and Greenery and Beautification Chairman M Sugunamma, he participated in a mass plantation drive held at Seethamma Nagar here on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Srinivasulu said that efforts are on to ensure a clean and tidy environment, keeping in view of the large number of pilgrims visiting the pilgrim city daily. With an aim to protect the environment, the corporation has planned to plant 5,090 saplings in the city to mark World Environment Day. He said it is the responsibility of women and youth to see that the saplings will grow. Stating that this year's World Environment Day theme is 'Beat the plastic pollution', the MLA urged people to stop using single use plastic and also ban plastic items to save humans and animals. Greenery and Beautification Chairman Sugunamma said the government is keen on containing plastic menace and plans are afoot to make cities and towns plastic free. Commissioner Mourya said under TUDA limits, plantation of 15,000 saplings is taken up and the administration is determined to make pilgrim city Tirupati plastic free by promoting cloth and paper bags. Additional Commissioner Charan Tej Reddy, Deputy Commissioner Amaraiah, SE Syam Sundar, ME Thulasi Kumar, Health Officer Dr Yuva Anvesh Reddy, RO Sethu Madhav, ACP Balaji and others were present.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Waste collection drives in Thiruvananthapuram from today
The Thiruvananthapuram city Corporation will organise special collection drives for various waste materials over five days from Thursday as part of World Environment Day. The collection will be carried out under various health circles of the Corporation. On June 5, used clothes, footwear and bags will be collected. Electronic waste and thermocol waste will be collected on June 7 and glass waste on June 8. Used mattresses, pillows and carpets will be collected on June 9 and coconut husk and shells on June 10.
