A major safety scare unfolded at the office of the Assistant Registrar and Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, when a portion of the roof suddenly collapsed inside the government building on Tuesday.
A large chunk of concrete fell directly onto the chair and work area of a PCS officer after the roof structure weakened and the steel reinforcement rods lost their hold. Fortunately, no official or employee was present beneath the affected section at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.
The incident, however, has exposed the deteriorating condition of the building and raised serious concerns about the safety of employees working there. Staff members said pieces of concrete and plaster have been falling from various parts of the roof for some time.
Employees expressed concern over the worsening state of the structure, saying they work under constant fear as another section of the roof could collapse at any moment. They added that the unsafe environment adversely affects their ability to perform official duties efficiently.
Staff members also reported that rainwater frequently seeps through the damaged roof during the monsoon season, causing damage to official records, files, computers and other office equipment. Falling concrete has reportedly damaged government property on several occasions in the past.
Employees urged the authorities concerned to take immediate steps for repairs and renovation of the building. They have also appealed to the government to consider reconstructing the structure or shifting the office to a safer location before a major mishap occurs.
