An inspection of major buildings owned by the Kozhikode Corporation has revealed cracks and leaks in some buildings, while structural weaknesses have been detected in others.

The findings were mentioned in a report submitted to the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) in connection with a suo motu case registered over the death of four headload workers after the concrete slab of an old godown collapsed at Valiyangadi in February this year.

After considering the report, KSHRC judicial member K. Baijunath directed the authorities to take prompt and time-bound steps to repair ageing and unsafe buildings in the city as a priority, stressing that there should be no laxity in addressing safety concerns.

The Commission further directed the Kozhikode District Collector to submit, within three weeks, a report on the steps taken to inspect ageing buildings in the district and prevent accidents.

The Kozhikode Corporation secretary informed the Commission that instructions had been issued to the officials concerned to take urgent action in this regard.

The Corporation has also been directed to prepare a comprehensive list of its buildings and an action plan for carrying out the necessary repairs.

According to the Corporation secretary’s report, preliminary inspections have been conducted at major buildings owned by the civic body, including EMS Stadium, Indira building, Palayam bus stand, Mofussil bus stand, Ambedkar building, Jayanthi building, Mankavu fish market, Idiyangara market, New Bazaar, Cherooty Road, Beypore bus stand, and the old passport office building. The report said special safety measures should be adopted at bus stands and markets frequented by large numbers of people.

Buildings requiring urgent repairs have been prioritised, and the proposal has been submitted to the Corporation Council for approval. Further action will be taken as soon as the council grants approval, the report said.

Temporary safety measures have also been put in place at locations posing a risk to public safety. The Commission expressed satisfaction with the steps already taken by the Corporation.

Published - August 20, 2026 07:22 pm IST