KARACHI: In the wake of a recent collapse that claimed 27 lives, another unsafe building in Karachi’s Lyari area has raised alarms. The structure, located in the Agra Taj neighborhood, showed visible cracks, prompting urgent evacuation orders from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and district administration.
Cracks Raise Red Flags
The 10-unit residential building was declared dangerous following an inspection by officials. The visit came just days after a five-storey structure collapsed in the same locality. Authorities immediately issued evacuation orders, fearing another potential tragedy.
Residents Resist Evacuation
Despite visible cracks and warnings from officials, residents initially refused to leave. They questioned why authorities failed to intervene during the building’s construction and demanded alternative housing before vacating.
“We live here and don’t feel any danger,” one resident said, reflecting the distrust between citizens and city institutions.
Read: Karachi Building Collapse: 27 Dead as Search for Victims Continues in Lyari
Action Against Builder
To reinforce the seriousness of the situation, officials demolished a rooftop water tank and registered a case at Kalri Police Station. The FIR, filed on the complaint of the SBCA’s assistant director, names both the builder and the contractor responsible for the construction.
The District South deputy commissioner assured residents they would receive compensation and that the builder would be held accountable. Authorities also offered to relocate residents temporarily to a nearby school.
Widespread Structural Risk in Karachi
According to SBCA data, Karachi faces a broader crisis of deteriorating buildings. Out of 578 declared dangerous structures, 456 are located in District South, particularly in high-density areas like Lyari and the Old City.
Other affected districts include Central (66 buildings), Keamari (23), Korangi (14), East (13), Malir (4), and West (2).
The recurring incidents highlight serious lapses in urban oversight and point to a growing need for strict monitoring and rehabilitation of hazardous structures in Karachi’s aging neighborhoods.
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