Building collapse in Delhi - narrow passage hinders rescue operations

As per Times of India report, a building collapsed in Delhi, where three women died and 10 were injured.

Fire department found it difficult to approach the area due to narrow passage.

National building code and local municipal authorities specify to provide offsets on either side of the road and also in front of the buildings. But, very few comply with the requirements. People question the authorities for such requirements. Further, encroachments, unauthorised activities in the name of temporary works, parking of vehicles on road sides instead of parking inside the buildings compound the issue making it difficult for rescue teams.

Collapse of buildings also lead to fall of walls/debris on road side and for this reason, if the offsets are adhered, atleast roads will be still available. But, many buildings are constructed upto the road particularly in inner lanes and the ramp of the house generally extends on to the road. Then, vehicles parked in front of their houses as above is another issue. 

I strongly feel that the authorities should confiscate such properties and government/courts should not entertain any appeal unless requirements for space are met.

Contractor and mason arrested for building collapse

In an incident of building collapse in which five workers were buried alive, police arrested the contractor as well as the mason of the building and charged them under section 304 of Indian Penal Code for causing death. Construction safety draws little attention unless otherwise reputed agencies are involved and these agencies takeup projects  only when they are of high value.
Being daily wagers, labourers are unable to demand safety at work and work under dangerous conditions to fill their stomachs. Though, Building and Other Construction Workers Act 1996 and Rules are in existence for more than a decade, its implementation is still questionable. Safety officers working for construction agencies are also toothless and they work or forced to work to the wishes of their employer and little attention is paid to the safety of the workers. Safety in such works can be improved only when the government inspectors conduct more inspections and penalize violators instead of charging the violators after the occurrence of the incidents.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-24/hyderabad/31391977_1_building-collapse-town-planning-school-building

Five workers die as wall collapses

During digging for a cellar under a building, five workers were buried alive due to caving in of adjacent excavated earth of 15 feet high and also collapse of side wall. 

I am unable to provide the link for the picture which I saw in the news paper (Times of India) in local edition that appeared on 13.04.2012 which opens the eyes of careless site engineers who do not bother to keep the excavated soil away from the trenches. As per good safety practices, the excavated soil should be kept atleast 1.5 m or 50% of the depth of the trench whichever is higher. Further, the angle of repose of the soil also should be taken in to account depending upon the nature of the soil/earth excavated. Generally, 15 degree (with horizontal) is the safe angle.
And, shoring as required also needs to be ensured so that there will not be any collapse.  In another incident reported few years ago, two persons working at a depth of about 3-5 feet were buried from the earth adjacent due to disturbance/vibrations caused. 

When people are covered even partially under the soil, it is difficult for them to come out of it and suffer due to the impact and pressure of the soil on their body leading to death. 

http://www.indiablooms.com/NewsDetailsPage/2012/newsDetails130412k.php

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Five-workers-die-as-wall-collapses/articleshow/12645263.cms

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3310070.ece

Apartment first floor collapse

There was an incident of partial collapse of a 5-storey apartment in which the first floor sank and rested on the parking floor (cellar) below. 10 persons were injured during the incident. Some girls practicing dance in the cellar were rescued. It is reported that the building was constructed 3-4 years ago in the area which was used as sewerage tank earlier. The area was filled and the apartment was raised. On visit, the Civil Engineering experts observed shallow waters in the area and opine that the soil has become weak.

Following are few reports appeared in the media.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article2461744.ece
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/regions/rajahmundry/police-security-post-symala-sadan-apartment-573
http://www.crimenews.co.in/building-collapses-cmorders-help/