Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V. V. Rajesh has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of a portion of a government school building at Attakulangara, questioning the quality of construction and the expenditure involved in its renovation.
Reacting to the incident, the Mayor said the building, which was renovated last year at a cost of several crores of rupees, had partially collapsed despite undergoing restoration work. He alleged that those responsible for the project should explain how a structure that was reportedly marked for demolition was instead preserved as a heritage building.
Rajesh said the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation would seek a detailed inquiry into the incident, including allegations of unscientific construction practices and the utilisation of public funds. He also stated that the Corporation had not issued a fitness certificate for the building.
The incident occurred at the Attakulangara Government Central School, where the roof of a room housing the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan office collapsed. A major tragedy was averted as the collapse took place after staff members and students had left the premises. Fire and rescue personnel reached the site soon after the incident.
According to the Mayor, the renovated structure had been restored at a cost of around ₹3 crore, and the commemorative plaque remains installed at the site. He maintained that while providing basic infrastructure is the responsibility of the Corporation, questions remain regarding the structural integrity of the renovated building.
The collapse has renewed concerns over the safety and maintenance of public buildings, particularly educational institutions, amid the ongoing monsoon season. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances that led to the incident.
