Coimbatore civic authorities begins demolition drive

Civic authorities of Coimbatore today began a demolition drive of old residential buildings following a building collapse in which at least 13 people were killed.

Coimbatore, Oct 23 : Civic authorities of Coimbatore today began a demolition drive of old residential buildings following a building collapse in which at least 13 people were killed.

The last block of the 30-year old three-storeyed building located near Ukkadam in the heart of the city collapsed on Friday following heavy rain.

In order to avoid a similar mishap, the district administration has initiated a drive to demolish around 650 remaining old, dilapidated residential buildings in and around the city.

"We have advised the people to vacate. We've made temporary arrangements for them to have food etc. in corporation schools. They have to make alternative arrangements for accommodation during this short period. Government has sanctioned 200,000 rupees as compensation for those who died and 25,000 rupees for those injured and 5000 rupees as relocation allowance for people in Vincent Colony," said Neeraj Mithal, District Collector, Coimbatore.

While the demolition of 352 buildings has begun, notices have been issued to the residents of another 298 houses belonging to the Tamil Nadu state housing board.

Twenty-four families with about 50 people lived in the building that collapsed, killing 13 and injuring several others.

Tight security arrangements were also made in view of the demolition drive in the area.

ANI