Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has set a two-week deadline for the Disaster Management Department to compile a detailed list of structurally unsafe public buildings, including schools and hospitals. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting attended by senior ministers, top officials, and district collectors.

Vijayan instructed authorities to prepare separate lists for buildings that need demolition and those that require repairs. He emphasized that school demolitions should be scheduled during holidays, and urged local self-government bodies, Parent-Teacher Associations, and the Education Department to arrange temporary alternatives to ensure classes continue until new buildings are constructed.

This directive comes in the wake of a tragic incident on July 3, when a section of the Kottayam Medical College’s old, unused building collapsed, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to two others.

Vijayan also ordered safety inspections of unaided school buildings to be conducted concurrently. A software system will be developed to digitally track and store information on buildings identified as hazardous.

Additionally, Vijayan highlighted the importance of monitoring electrical safety in public buildings. Electrical inspections will be jointly carried out by the Chief Electrical Officer, local bodies, and engineers from the Public Works Department.

The meeting was attended by Revenue Minister K Rajan, Finance Minister KN Balagopal, Public Works Minister PA Muhammad Riyas, Public Education Minister V Sivankutty, Health Minister Veena George, Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak, and other key officials.

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