BASURI DESSAI
Poor conceptual designs, inherent faulty structural design and defective execution of work at the site and other factors led to the collapse of Ruby Residency in Canacona on January 4, 2014, this was the conclusion for the collapse of phase II building. But the Jha commission, which was set up by the government to inquire into proximate causes of the building collapse, has also recommended measures to avert such incidents in the future.
The three members’ commission was formed immediately to inquire under the chairmanship of VK Jha, retired IAS, Dr KG Guptha, Principal of Goa Engineering College and Manohar Gadgil, Consultant & Ex-Head of Veermata Jijabai Technical Institute Mumbai as its members.
The crucial report was tabled in the State Legislative Assembly in August 2015, and it is still under wraps.
The Commission in its report has said that ‘The Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008’ and ‘The Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2008’ is not sustainable in the eyes of law and is required to be annulled so as to enable the government to frame building construction laws afresh in conformity with 74th Amendment of the Indian Constitution and in the light of the order of the High Court.
The report has said the rapid and haphazard growth of construction activity in the state, particularly in the hinterland/rural areas putting considerable stress on the infrastructure of the state. It has also said that increasing environmental deterioration is a major concern and its mitigation is crucial for the well being of the construction laws.
“Except for some reference to solar energy water heating systems and water harvesting, besides heritage conservation, existing construction laws do not even acknowledge the need for sustainable development and assessment of environment impact before undertaking large housing and industrial project and schemes,” the Jha report has stated.
Unfortunately, the precious recommendations remained in wraps at state legislative assembly and the constructions are in full swing in the state. The question which arises here is ‘government really serious of the lives of the people or do they waiting for another Ruby to happen?
