Special enquiry called after wall collapses at SC/ST girls hostel in Thuraiyur

Locals stage protests against contractor after 40- year old construction worker dies as wall collapses at under-construction SC/ST Welfare hostel facility for girls in Thuraiyur. K Manibharathi (40), a mason on site, died when the partial wall above a sunshade in the first floor of the hostel collapsed leaving him caught beneath it. After allegations were placed by locals regarding the quality of construction, special deputy collector enquiry has been called for further investigation. Sangeetha (28), a female construction worker also caught in the collapse, is currently undergoing treatment at the nearest medical facility.  

Using special funds allocated by the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO), the construction of the special hostel facility in Thuraiyur started from December 2018. This was to accommodate a large number of female students from economically-backward communities in neighbouring villages who are forced to travel several kilometres to Thuraiyur for their higher education, due to the lack of an SC/ST welfare girls hostel and the unaffordable rates offered at private hostels.

Ganesh, a local, alleged that the incident would have been disastrous if the wall had collapsed after the completion of the building, especially since many school children plan to move into the hostel. 

"Following the allegations placed by people against the private contractor, about the incident being caused by the poor quality of the construction, an enquiry has been started by the Deputy Collector. Based on the enquiry if we find proof of poor construction, action shall be taken against the private contractor,” said police sources.