Danger feared as 15 lakh cft soil removed from construction site

Staff Correspondent: Specialists think the adjacent area of an under-construction site in city’s Karwan Bazar area are at severe risk as 15 lakh cubic feet soil was removed from the site.

The huge amount of soil was removed from the under-construction site of National Bank Ltd Twin Tower near the SAARC Fountain in city’s Karwan Bazar area.

A team of specialists from Army on Thursday morning talked to the officials of the under-construction site. During their conversation, the matter of removing 15 lakh cube feet soil was disclosed.

They said roads, buildings and other structures adjacent to SAARC Fountain are at risk for the removal of the huge amount of soil. A portion of the nearby road of the site has already collapsed. Besides, main roads adjacent to SAARC Fountain developed several cracks.

Earlier on Wednesday, Sundarban Hotel was evacuated fearing collapse after a boundary wall and part of its basement sank to the ground for the removal of soil from the construction site.

Following the evacuation, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Annisul Huq had several meetings with specialists and related authorities. Engineers from city planners Rajuk, Army, BUET and City Corporations were present in the meetings.

According to the sources, decision was taken to use 1000 trucks sand to protect the adjacent area including Sundarban Hotel from collapse. According to the plan, authorities stared dispensing sand.

Mayor Annisul Huq, while visiting the spot on Thursday morning, said the sand dispensing will be completed within today. And if that can be done and no rain appears, then the risk of more danger will lessen. However, heavy rain would make the situation worse, he said.

The mayor also said that investigation was underway in the matter. If negligence of construction authorities found, then action against them would be taken.   

risingbd/DHAKA/May 28, 2015/Jisan/Augustin Sujan