Rajouri Heavy Rains: DC Office Building Becomes Unsafe; Relocation Begins

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOFD

**Priority is shifting Records, Clerical Staff to Safe Identified Premises: DC

**Public Services to Continue Uninterrupted: DC

RAJOURI, JULY 28:-The District Development Commissioner (DC) Office building in Rajouri has been declared unsafe after developing serious structural cracks in the aftermath of continuous heavy rainfall and the recent flash floods, prompting the district administration to initiate the relocation of offices, staff and official records to an alternate facility.

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of government employees and members of the public visiting the office.

According to senior officials, the building had exhibited signs of structural distress over the past two to three years, with minor cracks observed at different locations. However, the recent spell of incessant rain and the devastating flash floods significantly aggravated the condition, resulting in the appearance of major cracks and raising serious concerns about the building’s structural stability.

Following the alarming development, a technical team from the Public Works Department (PWD), Roads & Buildings Wing, led by Superintending Engineer Manzoor Ahmad, conducted a detailed inspection of the premises.

After assessing the damage, the engineers declared the building unsafe for continued occupation and recommended immediate precautionary measures.

Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma (IAS), said the safety of employees and visitors remains the administration’s foremost priority.

“As an immediate step, we have started shifting clerical staff and all-important government records from the ground floor to a safer location. A suitable alternate building has already been identified, and the relocation process is underway,” DC said.

He informed that he is presently continuing to discharge official duties from his office located within the same building, even as efforts are being made to vacate the premises in a phased and orderly manner.

“A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is expected to visit the complex shortly to assess the structural condition of the building and recommend immediate safety measures,” said Abhishek Sharma.

“As the building has become unsafe, the administration is making alternative arrangements to ensure the smooth functioning of government offices without disrupting public services,” he added.

He added that temporary structural support would be provided to the damaged building to facilitate the safe evacuation of records, equipment and remaining staff, allowing the relocation exercise to be completed without any untoward incident.

The district administration has assured the public that the shifting of offices will not affect the delivery of government services. Necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure that routine administrative work continues seamlessly from the alternate premises.

Officials said a comprehensive structural assessment by specialised technical agencies will be undertaken in the coming days. The findings will determine whether the building can be restored through major repairs or whether other long-term measures, including reconstruction, will be required.