Crane mishap: BMC now looks at manual for builders

The crane,which was being used for construction activity by Nish Developers,fell on the nearby Haji Kasam Chawl near Currey Road station while it was being installed. The arm of the crane fell on part of three-storey Haji Kasam chawl,ripping through the roof and partially damaging the roof of the second floor. There are over 50 highrises which are being constructed or planned in the island city in areas including Currey Road,Lower Parel and Byculla.

According to an official from the building proposal department,which is responsible for approving plans for construction,the building was given a certificate of commencement after it had fulfilled all the safety requirements. “The building is granted an Intimation of Disapproval only after we have checked whether safety equipment like helmets,belts etc are used by the builder,” an official said.

Officials said construction activity cannot be checked at every stage by the civic body and it is the builder’s responsibility to keep safety measures in place. There is no such mandatory check wherein the BMC is required to check the safety of construction equipment.

“The installation process of the crane was being carried out when it suddenly fell on the nearby chawl. This was pure accident and after the crane is installed,we are supposed to call third party auditors to ensure the safety of the crane,” said Kailash Agrawal,a builder from Nish Developers.

The BMC will soon send letters to developers and architects of under-construction projects asking them to strengthen safety measures for those working at the site and for nearby residents.

The repair work of the ground plus three storey chawl is partly done and most residents have shifted back to their homes. The part of the chawl where the crane fell will be repaired soon,said an official.