The Karnataka government on Thursday ordered suspension of the executive engineer of the engineering department of the Health and Family Welfare Department after a compound wall collapsed at Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar, killing seven people during heavy rains.
The government did not identify the officer by name in the statement.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired a review meeting with Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioners, questioned the officials about the circumstances that led to the collapse and ordered a notice to be issued to the officials. “Although it was known that the wall could be damaged, why did soil accumulate during the work?” he asked.
He also requested clarification from the hospital administration. “Why didn’t you care when the soil was thrown in such a way as to spoil the wall?” He said, and directed that notice be sent to the head of the hospital.
The government announced compensation $5 thousand to the families of the deceased, and he ordered the treatment of the injured free of charge.
The collapse came amid widespread rain damage across Bengaluru, where more than 250 trees were uprooted. The Prime Minister ordered officials to repair potholes and remove waste from roads immediately. “Immediate action must be taken to fill potholes in Bengaluru,” he said.
He also called for advance preparation before the monsoon. “Necessary preparations must be made before the onset of monsoon. The five district commissioners must take precautionary measures,” he said, adding that weak and dry tree branches must be cut.
“There is a possibility of heavy rains in the coming days. Silt must be removed from stormwater drains and steps must be taken to prevent floods,” he added. Officials were also asked to remove garbage and fallen branches and barricade tunnels to prevent waterlogging.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said action has been taken on weak structures and encroachments. He said: “This accident was not supposed to happen, but I will not say whose negligence of officials caused it.”
“They piled a pile of dirt next to the Vajpayee (Boring) Hospital complex. The complex collapsed due to pressure. I have informed the officials that no traders should be allowed to sit on this road either,” he said.
About the preparedness, he said, “Weak trees and branches will be cut on all roads in Bengaluru. The work has already begun. Police and BBA officials have worked on this and prepared a list. A control room has also been set up to prevent damage due to rain. Officials are also working hard.”
He added that officials have already been directed to identify and disinfect street vendors located near the dangerous complexes.
Referring to the rainfall forecast and water management, he said, “The Meteorological Department said there will be less rain this year. This will lower the water level in the dams, which will reduce power generation. I am visiting Tungabhadra reservoir; all gate replacement work there has been completed and water storage is about to start.”
Regarding the Cauvery issue, he said: “Now, regarding the Cauvery water issue, the Supreme Court has ordered that 177 TMC of water should be released. For this reason, I pray that there will be good rains. We have already made preparations to deal with more rains.”
“We are holding a meeting about this matter. We have given instructions to the officials. We gave them instructions last night and this morning as well,” he said earlier in the day.
A team of experts has been tasked with examining hospital buildings and walls of complexes across the state, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hospital and Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, and submit a detailed report.
Among the officials who attended the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Greater Bay Area Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Additional Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Anjum Parvez and Rizwan Arshad.
