'Danger zone Tag can't be Lifted'

CHENNAI: The ‘danger zone’ tag given for the area around the 11-storey building that collapsed in Moulivakkam cannot be taken off until the standing twin tower is razed,  Kancheepuram collector Dr V K Shanmugam informed the Madras HC on Tuesday.

The collapse of the under-construction ‘B’ block had killed 61 people on June 28 last. The counter was filed by Additional Government Pleader P Sanjay Gandhi in response to a writ petition from Arun Enterprises praying for a direction to remove the tag.

The petitioner contended that in view of the declaration, he could not enter his business premises situated near the site. He could not carry on his business for the past five months and he suffered heavy losses.

The counter said that prompt action has been taken by the Collector for the removal of the A Block, which is in a precarious condition and an order to demolish the same was issued on December 2. It is necessary to keep the public safety in this area and hence, it has been declared as Dangerous Zone on the basis of a report of the expert body, which had found as many as eight reasons to do so.

The petitioner’s representation dated October 10 was considered and a suitable reply was sent on December 6. Petitioner’s premises is lying within 50 metres to the purview of the ‘A’ Block building and it is in the dangerous zone. Hence, it is the responsibility of the Collector to take all precautionary measures as per a GO dated November 7 till the demolition of the block, which is classified as a near future calamity, the counter said.