Hyderabad: Lack of proper safeguards at an under-construction site in Manikonda, abutting a residential complex, resulted in the collapse of a parking lot of the apartment, causing deep concern among residents as the construction work resumed following the collapse over the weekend.
Residents alleged two companies started work on the neighbouring 900-square-yard plot two months ago without requisite permissions.
“One of the companies withdrew from the project, but Saanvi Infra continued with construction work. They built pillars just five feet away from the compound wall, while municipal regulations stipulate that a minimum of 13 feet must be left for fire safety and other purposes,” said Bhargav Reddy, a resident.
Residents took the matter up with Arvind Kumar, the special chief secretary of MA&UD, and also met with the municipal commissioner.
No one was injured in the incident that took place around 1 pm on Saturday.
Pithani Reddy, the apartment's watchman, said, “Initially, I thought a massive object had fallen on the parking shed. I came out to find the entire area in ruins. A woman who regularly walks with her baby and toddler in the area, feeding them, every afternoon, luckily escaped unharmed that day.”
Another resident said he was out of town, otherwise, his car would have been damaged as the cave-in extended to his parking spot.
Town planner Rakesh Singh, when questioned, could not clarify whether security checks were conducted.
Residents also filed a complaint at the Narsingi Police Station, following which the police visited the site on Tuesday afternoon.
