Hyderabad: GHMC Reviews Cellar Construction Rules After Tragedy
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is taking steps to improve safety regulations for cellar construction following a tragic incident in LB Nagar. In the accident, a cellar wall collapse led to the death of three construction workers and injured another.
GHMC Commissioner K. Ilambarithi held a meeting with Town Planning officials to discuss new safety guidelines. One of the key proposals being considered is the introduction of mandatory third-party inspections for cellar construction. Currently, such inspections are required for assessing the structural stability of high-rise buildings, but not specifically for cellars.
An official revealed that under the new guidelines, an independent agency would evaluate cellar designs and monitor construction to ensure safety standards are met. “The responsibility for worker safety ultimately lies with property owners, but this additional oversight will help enforce accountability,” the official explained. The guidelines are expected to be finalized within a week.
In response to the LB Nagar collapse, GHMC has issued notices to individuals involved in the construction, including the property owner, builder, site engineer, structural engineer, and architect. Officials confirmed that the building’s permission will be revoked, and the builder’s license will be canceled.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday when loose soil from the cellar wall gave way, burying four workers. Despite prior warnings from the Deputy Commissioner about safety lapses, the builder reportedly started excavation without submitting the required commencement notice. Authorities have placed the blame on the owner and builder for violating safety norms.
