Q2.A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent labourers including women and children died. These labourers are migrants of different places. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder. Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.

The tragic collapse of an illegally extended building, claiming innocent lives including vulnerable women and children, underscores a profound ethical and administrative failure. Such incidents are symptomatic of deep-seated systemic issues compromising public safety.

Reasons for the Occurrence of Such Incidents

Reasons for such incidents across the country are multifaceted:

• Systemic corruption: A nexus among builders, corrupt officials, and politicians facilitates illegal constructions by bypassing norms for monetary gains.
• Weak regulatory framework: Inadequate building codes, lax enforcement by urban planning bodies, and severe lack of accountability allow violations to proliferate.
• Exploitation of vulnerable labor: Migrant laborers are often employed without proper registration, safety training, or welfare, making them susceptible to hazardous conditions.
• Demand-supply imbalance: Rapid urbanization and pressure for affordable housing lead to builders cutting corners and resorting to illegal extensions for profit.
• Lack of public awareness: Limited citizen engagement in urban planning and oversight allows illegal activities to continue without adequate scrutiny.

Measures to Prevent their Occurrence

Preventive measures require a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach:

• Strengthening regulatory framework: Implement robust building codes, ensure transparent online approval, and conduct regular, independent inspections at all stages.
• Enhancing accountability: Impose strict penalties on offenders (builders, officials). Establish fast-track courts and provide whistleblower protection.
• Promoting ethical governance: Foster integrity among public servants. Launch public awareness campaigns and encourage citizen participation in oversight.
• Ensuring labor welfare: Mandate registration of workers, provide compulsory safety training, protective gear, and implement social security and insurance.
• Leveraging technology: Utilize GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and drone surveillance for real-time monitoring and identification of illegal constructions.

Role of Civil Servants and Ethical Governance

Civil servants play a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, resisting undue pressure, and ensuring transparent, ethical governance. Their integrity and commitment to public safety are paramount in preventing such tragedies.

Addressing building collapses demands a holistic strategy encompassing stringent regulations, robust enforcement, ethical administration, and active citizen participation for safe urban environments.