Ludhiana: In time with the monsoon, the MC has identified 238 unsafe buildings across the city that are vulnerable to collapse during heavy rain, marking a sharp increase from the 155 such structures identified last year. Civic officials have started issuing notices to owners, warning them to either repair or demolish the buildings to prevent untoward incidents.According to MC officials, Zone A, which covers much of the old city area, has the maximum of 91 unsafe buildings. Zones B, C and D have 48, 51 and 48 unsafe structures respectively. Last year, Zone D topped the list with 55 unsafe buildings, followed by Zone A with 48, Zone C with 35 and Zone B with 21.Officials said the exercise was carried out after surveys conducted by field staff and the building branch. A building branch official explained that structures showing signs of deterioration are first identified and then physically evaluated by the buildings and roads branch to determine the level of risk.“We assess the condition of buildings and if a structure appears unsafe, it is recorded and referred for further physical evaluation. Notices are issued in cases where there is clear concern regarding safety,” the official said.Joint commissioner Tapan Bhanot said assistant town planners have been directed to issue notices to owners of unsafe buildings. He added that suggestions have also been sought from officials regarding evacuation plans in case of emergencies during the rainy season.“We have instructed officials to stay prepared for any situation during the upcoming monsoon season,” Bhanot said.The issue is particularly concerning because many of the buildings identified are residential properties that have been rented out. Officials said tenants continue to occupy several unsafe structures despite the risks. In many cases, the civic body is unable to take stronger action due to disputes between owners and tenants that are pending in courts.Retired senior town planner Balkar Brar suggested that the MC put up public notices in areas with a high concentration of unsafe buildings, particularly in Zone A. He said residents should be encouraged to submit documents proving the structural safety of their buildings and that notices should be made time-bound to ensure compliance.The MC serves notices under Section 273 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, directing owners to repair or demolish dangerous structures. Officials said letters are also sent to the police department seeking assistance in vacating such buildings, as they pose a serious threat to residents during the rainy season.Recent years have witnessed multiple building collapse incidents in the city, underlining the dangers posed by ageing and poorly maintained structures during periods of heavy rainfall.BOX: Unsafe Buildings Identified by MCZone A: 91Zone B: 48Zone C: 51Zone D: 48Total Unsafe Buildings: 238BOX: Major Building Collapse IncidentsSept 7, 2025: Half portion of a four-storey building collapsed at Ghake Shah Mill, Gill Road near Vishwakarma Chowk.Sept 6, 2025: A building collapsed in Radi Mohalla near Neem Wala Chowk.Sept 2, 2025: A large building collapsed in Soodan Mohalla; a portion of another unsafe structure came down in Naughara Mohalla.Sept 1, 2025: Three buildings collapsed following heavy rain in the old city.Oct 1, 2024: A woman and her infant had a narrow escape when an unsafe building collapsed in Bandeyan Mohalla near Chawal Bazaar.Feb 3, 2023: An old building collapsed in Karta Ram Street, Chaura Bazaar.Aug 12, 2021: More than 10 people were injured when an unsafe building collapsed suddenly.Aug 14, 2021: One floor of an unsafe building collapsed during dismantling work.
