Tilted apartment wing: Developer begins demolition, 49 flats to be rebuild

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A GBA source told The Hindu that they had sought a no-objection certificate from multiple departments, including fire and emergency services, the pollution control board, and others. | Photo Credit: File Photo

SNN Raj Corp. on Friday commenced the controlled demolition of an 18-storey apartment wing comprising 49 flats in its SNN Raj Etternia, a 972-home residential project near Kudlu Gate, after the wing developed a tilt and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) permitted its demolition.

A GBA source told The Hindu that they had sought a no-objection certificate from multiple departments, including fire and emergency services, the pollution control board, and others. “We had also asked for an action plan to demolish the wing to ensure the safety of nearby buildings. They have submitted all required permits; thus, the permission was accorded,” the officer said.

In a statement, the company said the decision to demolish and reconstruct the affected homes was taken voluntarily after fresh soil investigations revealed that a critical borehole reading in the original report had been interchanged, resulting in an incorrect assessment of the soil conditions at the location.

A source in the GBA’s town planning section confirmed to The Hindu that the external agency that had given the soil investigation report had discrepancies, which led to the tilt.

The demolition is being carried out using specialised controlled dismantling techniques, including diamond cutting. The process is expected to take six months, after which reconstruction of the affected apartment block will begin. The developer said the demolition would be carried out in phases to minimise the vibration and dust and to protect the neighbouring occupied buildings and residents.

“As part of the reconstruction, the company has completed fresh soil investigations across the affected area and plans to undertake multiple independent soil assessments for future developments. The reconstructed buildings will also undergo independent third-party verification before completion,” the company said.

A source from the South City Corporation told The Hindu that the builder had been instructed to follow prescribed procedures for demolition, including management of demolition waste. Failing to follow the directions would attract action.

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