Govind Towers8217; fall was predicted

MUMBAI, August 5: A private structural engineer had virtually predicted Govind Tower's collapse three years back. R N Raikar, after his v...

MUMBAI, August 5: A private structural engineer had virtually predicted Govind Tower8217;s collapse three years back. R N Raikar, after his visit to Govind Towers on October 7, 1995 when he was asked to reassess the building8217;s stability, had painted a grim picture and even gone to the extent of warning its residents against 8220;accidental fall of loose building elements or part construction finishings.8221;

Contrary to Mayor Nandu Satam8217;s press statement yesterday that Raikar had only recommended minor repairs, the report, a copy of which is in our possession, had called for 8220;major structural repairs.8221; Raikar had observed that there was a 8220;marked difference in planning between upper floors and lower floors.8221; This probably was so because while 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors in Govind Towers were used for residential purposes, 4th, 5th, 6th and part of 7th floor housed a hotel.

Raikar also noted 8220;on-going additions and alterations in the form of changes in the internal lay-outs, internal finishes, particularlysanitary fittings. These changes, the report said, were being carried out 8220;individually8221; without consulting a structural engineer. He added that most of the under-construction parts at the terrace level were not covered leading to seepage. He also pointed out peeling plaster and fungus formation on the external facade along the plumbing lines. 8220;This indicates on-going damage due to continued seepage leading to corrosion.8221;

Localised corrosion was another point that had Raikar worried. Patches of corroded iron, the report said, could be observed through cracks in the floors and ceilings. Columns and beams too showed corrosion, cracking and local spalling of cover concrete. 8220;The process of corrosion is on-going in the structure and is on the increase in absence of corrective measures.

Since its construction, the structure has not been painted, nor has any other maintenance work been carried out,8221; Raikar noted. The report quite categorically blamed the residents for the mess. 8220;It is interesting toobserve one full grown beehive on a 4th floor window indicating owners non-cooperation in building8217;s maintenance.8221; Raikar had recommended major structural repairs, including extensive re-plastering of the facade, and replacement of plumbing lines.