--- title: "Kozhikode building safety: SHRC orders urgent repairs after cracks found" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kozhi-kshrc-unsafe-buildings-7ce06 publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Politics published: 2026-08-20T14:03:03.864Z modified: 2026-08-20T15:30:05.972Z language: en-IN --- # Kozhikode building safety: SHRC orders urgent repairs after cracks found The Kerala State Human Rights Commission pressed the Kozhikode Corporation to repair ageing and unsafe buildings following a report on cracks and leaks, linked to a February collapse that killed four workers. Authorities were told to submit an action plan and a building registry within weeks. ## Key takeaways - SHRC directed prompt, time-bound repairs of ageing and unsafe buildings in Kozhikode. - A three-week deadline was set for the District Collector to report on inspection steps and preventive actions. - A comprehensive list of buildings and an repair plan must be prepared for Council approval. - Preliminary inspections covered major civic sites and markets, with temporary safety measures in place where needed. ## What Happened An official assessment of the Kozhikode Corporation’s major buildings identified cracks and water leaks, with several structures showing signs of structural weakness. The findings came in a report provided to the Kerala State Human Rights Commission in connection with a suo motu case arising from a February incident in which a concrete slab at a former godown collapsed at Valiyangadi, resulting in four headload workers’ deaths. Following deliberations, KSHRC judicial member K. Baijunath directed swift, time-bound measures to repair ageing and unsafe buildings in the city. The Commission also instructed the Kozhikode District Collector to file a report within three weeks detailing steps taken to inspect aging buildings and avert further accidents. The Corporation secretary stated that officials were instructed to act with urgency, and that a comprehensive inventory of buildings plus an action plan for repairs should be prepared and reviewed by the Corporation Council before any repairs proceed. Preliminary inspections reportedly covered prominent sites including EMS Stadium, Indira building, Palayam bus stand, Mofussil bus stand, Ambedkar building, Jayanthi building, Mankavu fish market, Idiyangara market, New Bazaar, Cherooty Road, Beypore bus stand, and the old passport office building. Special safety measures were advised for busy bus stands and markets. Temporary safety steps have been implemented at locations deemed risky, and the Commission expressed satisfaction with actions already taken by the Corporation. ## Why It Matters The directive underscores local authorities’ duty to maintain public infrastructure and protect residents, especially in crowded public spaces. By ordering a formal inventory and an action plan, the Commission seeks to reduce the risk of future structural failures and related casualties. The case ties safety oversight to a specific fatal incident, elevating accountability for ageing assets under municipal control. ## Background The case originated from a suo motu complaint linked to the February collapse of a concrete slab at a former godown in Valiyangadi, which caused four deaths among headload workers. The current review focused on the condition of major civic buildings in Kozhikode following that incident. ## Key Facts - Cracks and leaks were found in some Kozhikode Corporation buildings during an inspection. - Structural weaknesses were detected in other examined structures. - A suo motu case over the February death of four workers prompted the review. - KSHRC judicial member K. Baijunath ordered urgent, time-bound repairs and a safety-first approach. - The District Collector must report within three weeks on inspection steps and accident prevention efforts. - A comprehensive list of buildings and an action plan for repairs are to be prepared and submitted for council approval. - Preliminary checks covered EMS Stadium, Indira building, multiple bus stands and markets, and the old passport office building. - Temporary safety measures are in place at high-risk locations; further action depends on Council approval. ## What Happens Next The District Collector is to provide a three-week report outlining inspection steps and preventative measures. The Corporation is expected to finalize a full building inventory and an action plan for urgent repairs, then obtain Council approval to proceed with the prioritized works. Ongoing safety measures will continue at locations deemed risky as the process unfolds. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kozhi-kshrc-unsafe-buildings-7ce06 Reported from: Multiple Sources