A structure that was only allowed to have three stories but was unlawfully expanded by a constructor to six stories collapses. Many innocent laborers, including women and children, perished as a result. These workers are migrants from various regions. The authorities detained the builder and promptly provided financial assistance to the irate families.
Explain why these kinds of things happen all around the nation. Provide suggestions about how to stop them from happening. (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Context: Introduce the incident of a building collapse due to unlawful expansion, leading to the tragic loss of migrant laborers.
- Thesis Statement: Highlight the systemic issues contributing to such tragedies, including regulatory failures and exploitation, and the need for effective preventive measures.
2. Body
A. Reasons for Such Incidents
- Lack of Proper Oversight
- Explanation: Insufficient monitoring by regulatory authorities allows illegal constructions to occur.
- Impact: Corruption and negligence lead to safety violations.
- Fact: Transparency International (2017) reports that corruption in construction significantly contributes to safety lapses.
- Greed and Profit Motive
- Explanation: Builders prioritize profit over safety, resulting in substandard construction practices.
- Impact: Unsafe buildings pose risks to occupants.
- Fact: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) highlights financial motivations as a key driver of unsafe construction practices.
- Inadequate Building Codes
- Explanation: Weak or outdated regulations create loopholes for builders.
- Impact: Lack of stringent codes allows for unsafe construction.
- Fact: The World Bank (2020) notes that insufficient building codes contribute to urban safety issues.
- Rapid Urbanization
- Explanation: Increased demand for housing leads to hasty construction.
- Impact: Poor planning results in structural failures.
- Fact: The UN projects that 68% of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050, heightening pressure on infrastructure.
- Lack of Awareness Among Workers
- Explanation: Migrant laborers often lack knowledge of their rights and safety standards.
- Impact: Vulnerability to exploitation and hazardous conditions.
- Fact: The ILO states that migrant workers are at a higher risk of exploitation due to limited awareness.
B. Suggestions to Prevent Such Incidents
- Strengthen Regulatory Framework
- Update and enforce comprehensive building codes with strict penalties for violations.
- Improve Oversight and Monitoring
- Enhance inspection mechanisms to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Awareness and Training Programs
- Implement training for laborers on safety standards and their rights.
- Empower Regulatory Bodies
- Provide adequate resources and authority to regulatory agencies for effective enforcement.
- Encourage Collaboration
- Foster partnerships among government, industry, and civil society for transparency and accountability.
- Streamline Approval Processes
- Simplify construction permit processes while enforcing safety standards.
- Implement Strict Punishments
- Enforce swift legal action against builders who violate regulations to deter future offenses.
- Protect Labor Rights
- Strengthen labor laws to ensure the safety and rights of workers, including fair wages and access to healthcare.
3. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the systemic issues leading to building collapses and the proposed measures to prevent future incidents.
- Final Thought: Emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach involving regulatory reform, education, and collaboration to protect lives and ensure safe construction practices.
Causes and Prevention of Building Collapses
Reasons for Such Incidents:
Measures to Prevent Occurrences:
By addressing these factors, the frequency of such tragic incidents can be reduced, ensuring safer working conditions and adherence to building regulations.
Model Answer
Introduction
The tragic collapse of a building that was unlawfully expanded from three to six stories underscores critical issues in construction safety and regulatory oversight. Such incidents occur nationwide, driven by factors like corruption, inadequate enforcement of regulations, and exploitation of migrant laborers.
Body
Reasons for Such Incidents
Measures to Prevent Such Incidents
Conclusion
Implementing these measures can significantly improve construction safety standards, prevent illegal activities, and protect the lives of workers and citizens. A comprehensive approach involving regulatory reform, education, and collaboration is essential to address the root causes of building collapses in the country.