Noida, July 10 (IANS) A major section of road caved in Noida’s Sector 73 on Friday, following the downpour for over two days. The proximity of the caved-in road to an under-construction commercial project has triggered safety concerns and raised questions about construction quality and lax supervision.

According to reports, a couple of adjoining structures, including a banquet hall and an electricity transformer, also suffered damage due to the sudden road collapse.

The sudden mishap has sparked chaos, panic and resentment among the residents.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred in the Sarfabad area of Noida’s Sector-73 because safety standards during construction were ignored and not given enough heed.

The Noida Authority has ordered an investigation into the entire matter and indicated that those behind the ‘sub-standard’ work will face the law.

According to reports, construction work for the D-Mart store is underway at the site where the road collapsed. A basement, approximately 25 to 30 feet deep, was being excavated at the site, and it accumulated water after the rains.

Locals alleged that water accumulation in the basement and negligence during construction weakened the soil, causing the road to cave in.

A drain constructed by the Noida Authority and an electricity transformer were also affected by subsidence. The banquet hall, adjacent to the construction site, has tilted ‘dangerously’ and has been locked for the larger public safety.

According to locals, if necessary precautions had been taken in time, the road cave-in and damage to the nearby buildings could have been prevented.

Locals allege that the concerned officials didn’t conduct timely inspection of the construction site.

Noida Authority CEO Krishna Kumar Karunesh, when asked about the gravity of the incident, said it was being treated with the utmost seriousness.

He said that the officials have been dispatched to the site and a detailed investigation report has been sought.

“If the investigation reveals negligence on the part of the construction agency or the builder, strict action will be taken against them in accordance with the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in the affected area, and people have been advised to exercise caution near the construction site.

–IANS

pkt/mr/dan