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Minister for Water Resources Roshy Augustine mentioned that whereas the KWA already has a mechanism to examine ageing constructions, a further system is likely to be launched in view of the incident.
The partially collapsed tank, primarily based on a folded plate design, was commissioned in 1985. The design employed a structural engineering method utilizing a collection of flat, interconnected plates to create a stronger framework able to withstanding heavy hundreds with out the help of further beams.
“There had been in all probability no exterior indicators of the approaching collapse, which seems to have been the results of a sudden disaster. Typically, earlier than such incidents, leakages and damp patches are observed on the construction, which had been probably absent on this case. Ideally, ageing constructions needs to be strengthened by retrofitting. All businesses, together with the Public Works division and the KWA, should strictly adhere to Indian commonplace codes of building,” mentioned sources.
Although concrete constructions such because the collapsed tank are anticipated to have a lifespan of as much as 50 years, environmental components and topography should be taken into consideration. For occasion, concrete can corrode quicker in coastal areas like Kochi, sources added.
Residents mentioned that they had raised considerations in regards to the security of the tank, situated in the midst of a residential space, however their warnings had been largely ignored by the authorities. Joseph Sabu, a resident of Kulathungal Bava Road, the place the collapse prompted havoc, recalled at the least two cases of overflow from the tank previously, though the injury had not been as extreme.
Judith George, whose home is correct subsequent to the pump home and whose late husband had lived within the space because the Fifties, mentioned the compound wall of her home had collapsed on a couple of event as a consequence of overflow.
Published – November 10, 2025 08:40 pm IST
