RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Feb.4: Around 48 flat owners of Ratan Height apartment at Morabadi are having sleepless nights after construction of a multi-storey apartment started adjacent to their apartment in the heart of Jharkhand capital.
They are apprehending major damage to their dwelling unit due to the construction work which started four months ago. On January 23 an incident of landslide also took place due to the construction work. A car parked in the Ratan Height Society premises was damaged and crack developed in the apartment. After the incident their fear multiplied several times.
President of Ratan Height Society Murli Ram shared the concern with media people organising a press conference. “Despite direction by civic authorities, construction work is going on and we are fearful,” Ram said.
VKS Realty, a city based construction company is carrying out the work. Their officials could not be available for comments on the matter.
When contacted additional municipal commissioner of Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Kunwar Singh Pahan, for his comment on the matter, he justified the fear but at the same time he said that he had already taken cognisance of the matter.
“Proper direction has already been given to the builder after we know about the incident of subsidence during excavation for basement work of the apartment,” Pahan said.
Asked then under which circumstances construction work started, Pahan said: “The construction work which has been started is in the interest of Ratan Height Society.”
Explaining how Pahan said: “While asking the construction company to stop construction work direction was also given to them for construction of retaining wall to ensure safety to existing apartments against landslide. The work which is under progress at present is construction of a retaining wall. Thus apartment residents need not fear.”
Pahan also shared photographs and videos supporting his statement. He said the administration and civic authorities are concerned about the problem of Ratan Height residents and have already warned the builder against any work causing threat to the existing apartment.
