CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has expressed deep concern over the alarming number of unsafe buildings across Cuttack city and directed the district administration to file a detailed time-bound action plan for their demolition.
The division bench of Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh issued the direction while hearing a matter related to the deteriorating condition of several public and private structures.
The urgency of the issue had intensified following a recent fatal balcony collapse at Manisahu Chhak in Buxi Bazar area. The Advocates’ Committee informed the court that numerous buildings in neighbourhoods such as Choudhury Bazar, Nima Sahi, Bakhrabad, Nimchouri, Mangalabag and Sutahat remain dangerously unstable. With the Balijatra festival now concluded, the bench observed that the district administration must shift its full focus to demolition and rehabilitation efforts.
During the hearing, an affidavit filed by additional district magistrate (ADM) Shibo Toppo was taken up for review. It revealed that 221 unsafe buildings have been identified across the city. Of these, 219 belong to eight public authorities, while only two are privately-owned. The affidavit also detailed the initiation of proceedings to vacate these structures and the proposed course of action for their eventual demolition.
Additional government advocate (AGA) Debasis Nayak produced a letter from the superintending engineer, Cuttack (R&B) Division-II, stating that an estimate of Rs 5,96,351 had been prepared for dismantling four unsafe quarters in the High Court Colony at Badambadi. These quarters, located on the second floor of the F-3 Block and occupied by High Court staff, have been categorised as unsafe.
The engineer’s letter further clarified that the remaining five quarters on the ground and first floors of the same block were safe and habitable. The court formally accepted the document.
Nayak also placed before the bench another letter dated November 19, indicating that dismantling work on the unsafe quarters had already begun. According to the report, the roof slab has been removed, and the entire demolition is expected to be completed by November 28. This communication too was taken on record.
Stating that it would continue monitoring the progress, the court permitted the state counsel’s request for a brief adjournment to compile a comprehensive report outlining specific timelines for clearing unsafe structures. The ADM, Cuttack, has been directed to submit an updated status report on the next date of hearing on December 18.