Mizoram building collapse: BJP demands independent judicial probe

Aizawl: The Mizoram unit of BJP on Thursday demanded an independent judicial inquiry to the collapse of three buildings that killed at least three people, including two minors.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Aizawl, the lone BJP legislator BD Chakma said that an independent judicial inquiry, which is free of government’s control, should be constituted to probe into the collapse.

Chakma also said that the government should also increase the quantum of ex gratia to the victims. He said that CM Zoramthanga was declaring Rs 4 lakh compensation to the victims as a face saver. Chakma alleged that explosives were used in huge quantities at the time of the construction owing to which the buildings were situated upon loose structure.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram Cultivator and Labour Union (MICLUN) has demanded action against persons responsible for the collapse. A statement issued by the union said that the government should also inspect all the poor housing complexes in Aizawl.

The union said that there are at least four housing complexes in Aizawl, which were constructed with crores of rupees. “The government should inspect all these housing complexes and also take action against people responsible for collapse of buildings at Durtlang area,” the statement said.

As reported earlier, three buildings constructed under the Centre’s sponsored scheme — Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) — collapsed at Durtlang Leitan area near Aizawl on Tuesday evening killing three people and injuring 11.

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The collapse was caused by massive landslide triggered by heavy downpour.

The government has announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to the victims and Rs 2 lakh to the injured people depending on seriousness of their condition. On Wednesday, CM Zoramthanga convened a high-level meeting with officials and decided to launch technical investigation.

The BSUP housing complex at Durtlang was constructed in 2009 by National Project Construction Corporation Ltd (NPCC) and Royal Infra Construction Ltd. It was inaugurated by president Ram Nath Kovind in November 2017 along with other housing complex at Lawipu, Edenthar and Rangvamual in Aizawl.

The housing complex houses at least 20 buildings and were occupied in June last year.