Residents of Shiv Residency in Surat's Bhimrad area are gripped by fear and uncertainty, refusing to move back into their homes even after an expert committee from the prestigious Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) declared the buildings safe for occupation. The declaration came on Friday, but it has done little to assuage the deep-seated anxiety stemming from a terrifying incident earlier in the week.
The Incident That Shook Their Confidence
The crisis began on Tuesday when a retaining wall in the foundation pit of the under-construction Vivaan Raj Laxmi project suddenly collapsed. The force of the collapse was so severe that it damaged the boundary wall and a parking shed of the adjacent Shiv Residency complex. Residents reported feeling tremors akin to an earthquake, a traumatic experience that has left a lasting psychological impact. Visible cracks appearing on the ground near the complex further amplified their fears about structural integrity and safety.
A Hollow Assurance: Safety Nod Fails to Convince
In response to the emergency, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) had instructed residents of 192 apartments across four towers to immediately vacate their flats. The developer of the Vivaan Raj Laxmi project arranged for alternate hotel accommodation for the displaced families. While the SVNIT expert committee's safety clearance on Friday was intended to pave the way for their return, it has largely fallen on deaf ears.
Although a handful of families briefly visited their flats on Saturday, they chose to return to their hotel rooms by evening. The majority of the allotted hotel rooms remain occupied as residents hold meetings to discuss their precarious situation. "We are holding meetings and weighing all aspects before deciding to return. No one was prepared for such a situation, and residents are still not mentally ready," shared one resident, capturing the collective sentiment.
Seeking Further Clarity and Next Steps
Recognizing the persistent panic, the Surat Municipal Corporation has made a significant offer to break the deadlock. The civic body has proposed that fresh structural and geotechnical tests be conducted by independent experts, with the SMC bearing the entire cost. This offer is now a key point of discussion among the resident community as they seek absolute certainty before considering a return.
Meanwhile, on-site, the developer in coordination with SMC authorities has created a soil support system along the collapsed section of the retaining wall to prevent any further damage. It is important to note that the panic was not confined to the four evacuated towers; residents of the remaining four towers in the Shiv Residency complex also voluntarily moved out temporarily due to fears of structural risk.
The path forward for the families of Shiv Residency remains unclear. With memories of the collapse still fresh and visible scars on the ground, the road to regaining confidence and normalcy appears to be a long one, despite official assurances.
