Builder surrenders, demolition drive starts

The SMC demolished 25 illegal shops and a four-storey building which were found to be structurally weak at Mahadev Nagar Society. The civic body also sealed 31 diamond laser-cutting, emery-wheel making and diamond units operating from residential premises at Mahadev Nagar and Swaminarayan societies.

The demolition at Mahadev Nagar Society started in the morning with a row of shops located in front of the collapse site. SMC officials have also started demolition of three more buildings that are adjacent to the other collapsed buildings.

Municipal Commissioner G.R. Aloria said: ‘‘We will continue our campaign against illegal constructions and factories operating in residential buildings. The activity is not limited to Varachha area alone, we are planning to launch a campaign in other areas also.’’

Chief Minister Narendra Modi had during his visit yesterday asked officials to conduct a survey of hazardous units functioning in Varaccha area. In view of this, 25 teams from the Labour Department began the survey on Tuesday. ‘‘This is a campaign against those risking lives. We are planning to take strict action against owners of such hazardous units,’’ said District Collector M.K. Das at a press briefing here today. The campaign will be supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Chief Inspector of Factories and Chief Inspector of Boilers.

Commissioner of Labour Sunaina Tomar said: ‘‘We have begun the survey in Varachha. Officials from Labour, Boiler and Factory have been included and they will submit reports daily.’’

Tomar added: ‘‘Sunday’s blast which brought down three buildings in Varachha has raised serious questions about the functioning of hazardous units. Action will be taken against the officials and owners of such hazardous units under different Acts like the Factory Act, Indian Boiler Act, Child Labour Act, Minimum Wages Act, etc. We will lodge police complaints and owners will face arrests.’’