Bengaluru has witnessed multiple building collapses in recent months, raising concerns about construction standards and urban planning in the city. Authorities are investigating these incidents to prevent future occurrences.

October 2024: Babusapalya Tragedy On October 22, 2024, a seven-story building under construction in Babusapalya collapsed amid heavy monsoon rains. The incident claimed at least five workers’ lives, with several others rescued from the debris. Authorities suspect structural violations and weather conditions as contributing factors. (Source: AP News)

November 2024: Bangarapet Incident In November 2024, a three-story building in Bangarapet, Kolar district, collapsed during renovation work on the ground floor. Fortunately, the building had been unoccupied, resulting in no casualties. However, the collapse damaged a nearby school’s compound wall. A police investigation is underway. (Source: Times of India)

February 2025: New Thippasandra Road Collapse On February 20, 2025, a family narrowly escaped when a section of their two-story home on New Thippasandra Road collapsed. The preliminary inquiry suggests that excavation at a neighboring site may have weakened the foundation. The authorities are investigating potential construction violations. (Source: News Karnataka)

Key Issues Behind These Collapses

1. Unauthorized Construction: Some buildings exceed approved plans, adding extra floors without proper authorization, which compromises structural integrity. (Source: Economic Times)
2. Use of Substandard Materials: Builders sometimes use low-quality materials to cut costs, leading to weak structures.
3. Heavy Rainfall: Bengaluru’s monsoon season adds stress to poorly constructed buildings, increasing collapse risks. (Source: Reuters)
4. Rapid Urbanization: Unplanned construction on water bodies and lakebeds exacerbates structural risks. (Source: Reuters)

Call for Action

• Stricter enforcement of building codes to ensure all constructions meet safety standards.
• Improved urban planning to manage Bengaluru’s expansion while preserving natural landscapes.
• Upgraded infrastructure to handle heavy rainfall and prevent future collapses.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between government authorities, builders, and the public to ensure the safety and sustainability of Bengaluru’s urban landscape.