A soil test is mandatory when constructing a large or multi-storeyed building, bridge, airstrip, or similar structure. It helps determine the soil’s load-bearing capacity to support the construction.
With numerous multi-storeyed buildings underway in the city, the pressing issue arises: are real estate developers conducting necessary soil tests for upcoming structures? This concern amplifies following an incident on Central Bazaar Road in Ramdaspeth, where a car plunged into a 40-foot deep pit on Monday night due to ground collapse at a construction site for multi-storeyed commercial and residential buildings.
The builder had installed a tin fence around the building. However, the fence beside the Gurudwara had collapsed into a pit due to landslides, causing cracks in the road. This incident instilled great fear among residents living near the construction site. It highlights the lack of consideration given to potential harm to adjacent buildings and residents during excavation of a large pit.
Retired engineer Yashwant Khorghade emphasized the mandatory requirement of a soil test before constructing any building, bridge, flyover, or other significant structures. Government departments such as NMC, NIT Water Resources Department, and Public Works Departments have specialized units for designing such structures, with plans approved only after conducting soil tests.
Efforts to reach Naresh Borkar, the construction officer of NMC, proved fruitless as he was occupied with other official duties.