A building immediately behind an older structure that collapsed has been ordered to be vacated and will be demolished with immediate effect, Rekha Gupta said.
Gupta said the older building collapsed after water accumulated in its basement and a pillar gave way. She alleged negligence by the building owner and said action would be taken against the owner.
She said authorities would identify and demolish other nearby buildings considered dangerous. The government, she added, would not allow anyone to live in a dangerous paying-guest accommodation.
Gupta said the government and the municipal corporation were working on a policy to require periodic structural audits and building-safety assessments for properties used for public activity, including PGs, nursing homes and schools.
Those evacuated have been accommodated in college hostels, she said, adding that the government was looking after their facilities. Gupta said officials whose negligence or oversight is found in the matter would face action, while the government was also in contact with and assisting the parents of children affected by the incident.
