GBA Pulls OC on Tilted Bengaluru Tower, Structural Engineer in the Firing Line

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has withdrawn the occupancy certificate (OC) for a block of the luxury residential complex SNN Raj Etternia in Harlur, after one of its towers, the 18-floor E-3, developed a tilt. The civic body has also issued a show-cause notice to the empanelled structural engineer who certified the building’s structural stability.

The E Block, currently unoccupied, houses three towers. According to GBA Additional Director of Town Planning BN Girish, the OC was issued on April 24 after the builder submitted certificates from an empanelled structural engineer. ‘The civic body does not have the technical expertise to assess structural stability,’ Girish said.

The developer, SNN Raj Corp, had earlier approached the GBA for permission to demolish and reconstruct the tilted tower, citing structural defects from loose soil. The developer maintains the other two towers are safe. However, the GBA revoked the OC for the entire E Block.

Experts have questioned the oversight process. Shrikanth S Channal, president of the Karnataka Council of Professional Civil Engineers, noted that the National Building Code requires certificates from geotechnical, structural, and civil engineers before an OC is issued, and that norms are often flouted. He advised buyers to check concrete columns and foundation types.

Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns about the civic body approving high-rises without considering road capacity. KS Kangheyan, a local resident, said narrow roads around Harlur Road are ill-equipped for the luxury apartments that charge rents up to Rs 60,000 for a two-bedroom flat.

Article and image source: deccanherald.com