Reghupathy recommends aid for Moulivakkam apartment buyers
Government order explained that it was not feasible of compliance as the guidelines of state disaster relief fund do not permit it
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-08-26 05:09 GMT
Chennai: A year after 61 people died in the Moulivakkam building collapse, the one-man commission report tabled in the state Assembly on Tuesday only reiterated what preliminary investigations had already established. The 930-page report by Justice Reghupathy blamed the builders for the tragedy, besides recommending the formation of a committee of experts to keep a constant check on buildings under construction.
Deviating from its three-point brief to investigate the causes of the building collapse, the report also recommended a compensation for flat owners who faced heavy financial losses under the state disaster relief fund. The recommendation has, however, been rejected by the government, which has stated that it would explore legal ways and means to assist the flat buyers and the neighbouring residents to obtain compensation from those responsible for the loss.
In its report, the commission has recommended that the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) should form a committee consisting of a technical officer of the CMDA, a law officer and experts in soil investigation, foundation design and structural engineering to compulsorily superintend and oversee all mega projects.
The commission also recommended that a comprehensive legislation or vitalization of existing legislation can be made so as to include essential features like insurance package, creating triangular responsibilities among bank, builder and customer, introducing special penal provisions insisting upon construction firms taking up mega projects to deposit a sizeable sum in fixed deposit for a minimum term of ten years.
The report also recommended sensitisation of vigilance department through a special unit to exclusively deal with the hidden and underground transactions between the officials concerned at various levels and realtors.
Meanwhile, chief secretary K. Gnanadesikan, in his government order dated August 22, 2015 said government has already paid ex gratia amount ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 7 lakh to those who lost their lives and an amount of Rs 50,000 to those injured. In regard to compensation for flat buyers and neighbouring residents through state disaster relief fund, the government order explained that it was not feasible of compliance as the guidelines of state disaster relief fund do not permit it. The government is taking steps to provide due compensation to then payable under workmen compensation act, the order read.
Regupathi: Have done our best
The report by the one-man commission formed to look into all aspects, causes and circumstances leading to the collapse of the multi-storeyed structure at Moulivakkam on June 28, 2014, was tabled at the Assembly on Tuesday. Justice R. Regupathi who headed the commission had a quick chat with DC over phone
On the report:
It is not right on my part to comment about my own report. We have done our best and compiled a report. Now, it is up for you people to dissect the report and for the government to consider the recommendations.
On the process:
“All the stakeholders concerned were co-operative to the investigation. In fact I ensured that the best of technical team were involved and directed the police department to hasten up the investigations and recording statements of the parties involved so that the report can be filed in quick time.”