TNNChennai: Ahead of the northeast monsoon, Greater Chennai Corporation will step up inspections of dilapidated buildings and seek help from IIT-Madras, Anna University, or the PWD to assess their structural safety.A 2025 survey identified 337 dilapidated structures across the city, including 130 GCC buildings, among other private properties and buildings belonging to other govt departments. From the end of this month, GCC officials will inspect to identify dilapidated buildings and take measures to prevent risks to occupants, passersby, and residents.GCC divisional assistant engineers have been directed to identify dangerous buildings in their divisions during inspections and inform the assistant executive engineer and zonal executive engineer, who will inspect the site and assess the nature, age, and condition of the buildings.If GCC engineers are unable to assess the structural safety of a building, it will be referred to IIT-Madras, Anna University, or the PWD for a structural assessment and report.If the report recommends demolition to prevent risks to occupants or the public, GCC will issue a notice to the owner under Section 258 of the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act. If the owner fails to comply, GCC will demolish the building and recover the cost from the owner. The procedure applies to both private and govt buildings. If there is a court case over the property, GCC officials will follow directions issued by the court.“Mainly, we will ask owners to carry out structural strengthening of the buildings. If there are cracks in the sunroof, they will be asked to replace it,” a GCC official said. “If the building is in a dilapidated condition, occupants will be asked to vacate within a month,” the official added. Separate notices will be issued if there are complaints from other residents regarding building deviations, the official said.
