Residential buildings that were constructed by the Gujarat housing Board even two or three decades ago are unsafe for accommodation. The local civic body surveyed all buildings under its jurisdiction soon after the Odhav building recently collapsed. Dheeraj Housing Scheme at Maninagar, which currently houses 216 families, are living under fear that the building might collapse any day. The housing colony was built in 1978-79, and the houses were allotted by 1980. "I have a house in the colony since 1980. Now, it has become extremely risky to stay here," said Hemant Naiya, one of the residents. "The houses are intact because people have taken care of. However, the staircases and outer structures are in poor condition. Several portions of the slab have collapsed and pillars have dilapidated. We have written to different authorities to take care of it," added Naiya. According to Naiya, the residents are from the economically weaker section and can't afford the maintenance charges. Lochan Sehra, housing commissioner of Gujarat Housing Board, said it is the occupants responsibility to take care of it once the house are allotted to the beneficiaries. "We have constructed the houses and given to them. Now, the houses belong to the association and party. We have no role to play in it after the allotment," said Sehra. "We can do it as per public-private partnership model if the association or the society will approach us," added the commissioner. The former leader of opposition Badruddin Shaikh said the government must take the responsibility. "There must be some responsibility the government should take and look into the matter. The government is a promising house for all by 2022, but the fact is that the quality of the houses is suffer badly. To prevent another tragedy like the Odhav housing, the government must take the necessary steps to look into the redevelopment," said Shaikh. SCARY PICTURE

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