Dhanbad: The dilapidated Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) office has become a safety hazard, with damaged ceiling sections at the main entrance threatening both employees and visitors.Hundreds of people visit the office daily to pay holding and water taxes, obtain birth and death certificates, and access civic services. Parts of the ceiling above the main entrance have collapsed several times, while remaining portions hang precariously. The rear side of the building is also damaged, with debris frequently falling on the adjoining road.DMC has been functioning from a rented building on the Mineral Area Development Authority (MADA) campus for the past 10 years, as its own building is under construction and scheduled to be handed over by Dec this year.Mahendra Kumar, who came to obtain a birth certificate for his relative’s daughter, expressed concern over the risk. “Falling ceiling pieces can cause a serious accident, especially as visitors often stand beneath the damaged structure while waiting for their work,” he said.Manoram Nagar resident Vinod Kumar said, “Portions of the dilapidated DMC building frequently fall off, endangering visitors and employees. Officials have failed to act despite repeated complaints.”Municipal commissioner Ashish Gangwar said, “The tendering process for repairs has been completed and renovation work would soon begin.”Appealing to people to avoid standing beneath damaged portions, Gangwar said, “Warning notices would be put up until repairs start.”
