Kolkata: The high level inquiry committee set up by the state govt is finalising a standard operating procedure based on which audit of high-rises and commercial buildings in 12 civic body areas, including Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), will be conducted.Officials said the audit will be conducted according to a two-layer system. The first layer will have a scrutiny of sanctioned plans for residential and commercial high-rises in the municipal areas as notified by the state govt. Once this is done, physical inspections will be conducted to verify whether construction has been done conforming to the approved plans and following safety norms.As per orders, construction activities will be suspended in the selected civic body areas, including KMC till the audit committee completes its assessment. The assessment includes verification of land and site suitability, structural and geotechnical review of the project site, besides independent audit of construction quality, materials, and workmanship. All high rise buildings for which audit will be conducted will be classified into three categories: rejection, rectification and clearance, said officials. Developers will have to ensure strict enforcement of safety measures at construction sites during the suspension period to prevent hazards to workers, adjoining buildings and people. The safety measures, include taking up the measures to prevent soil collapse, repair and restoration of old and dilapidated buildings with valid plan sanction, precautionary measures to prevent water accumulation and to eliminate conditions conducive for mosquito breeding. It also includes taking necessary precautionary measures to mitigate risks arising from high wind gusts, including the installation or dismantling of scaffolding and temporary support structures and erecting or dismantling of cranes, where such operations have already commenced or is in progress.
