Panaji: An under-construction building collapsed in Canancona, Goa, in which 16 people were killed and many were feared to be trapped in the debris. So far, 21 people have been rescued by the authorities.
A day after the building came crashing down, rescue operations are still on. After struggling to carry out rescue work on the first day, the state government has finally called in the National Disaster Relief Force(NDRF).
Venancio Furtado, South Goa collector said, "NDRF team has come with sniffer dogs and other instruments. We are trying to verify whether any person trapped inside is alive or dead."
However, it's turning out to be a tricky rescue operation for the government agencies. Adding to the difficulty is the narrow passageway preventing the rescue operation team from using heavy equipment. These empty multi-storied buildings next to the collapse site are also hampering the operation, preventing the authorities from carrying out any heavy duty operation.
The under construction building was coming up as part of the second phase of the Ruby Residency project. There had reportedly been stiff resistance to the project from the locals who believed environmental norms were flouted.
A political blame game has already begun over the incident as a BJP minister has put the blame on the previous Congress government, saying that it had sanctioned the construction of the building. "No complaints have come up during my tenure. The project was sanctioned 7-8 years back when the Congress government was in power. This is the first time such an incident has taken place in Goa. Strict action will be taken if builders are found guilty," said Goa Sports Minister and local MLA Ramesh Tawadkar.
Another BJP leader Vijay Pai Khot said, "These multi-storey buildings are not made for the locals. These are made for migrants who want to settle here."
Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against the builder and the municipal authorities but CNN-IBN has learnt that Goa Police is yet to make any headway in the case.
Comments
0 comment