Investigation Reveals Illegal Construction In Lucknow Building Collapse; Chief Minister Visits Injured

The tragic collapse of a three-story building in Lucknow’s Transport Nagar on 7 September traced to significant construction violations, including unauthorized additional floors and structural weaknesses.

The incident claimed 8 lives and left 28 individuals injured.

Initial findings from the investigation revealed that the builders constructed a third floor illegally, exceeding the authorized two-floor limit.

Inspectors found that the building, originally permitted to rise up to 7 meters, actually reached 11 meters.

Additionally, Public Works Department (PWD) engineers found that the building’s columns lacked sufficient reinforcement to support the structure’s actual load.

In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has established a three-member committee to thoroughly investigate the collapse.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed this panel, chaired by Sanjiv Gupta, Secretary of the Home Department. Other committee members include Balkar Singh, Secretary of Housing and Urban Planning, and Vijay Kanaujia, Chief Engineer of the Central Region, Public Works Department, Lucknow.

A government press release stated that the inquiry committee will determine the cause of the collapse and provide a detailed report to the government as swiftly as possible.

Chief Minister Adityanath has also taken steps to address the immediate needs of those affected.

Meanwhile, he visited Lokbandhu Shri Rajnarayan Combined Hospital to assess the condition of the injured, personally meeting with patients and offering reassurances.

In a show of national support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for the victims’ families and the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

“The loss of lives due to a building mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is saddening. Prayers with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated in a message on X.

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