Bengaluru: Anxiety has gripped residents living around Harlur Main Road after the developer of the SNN Raj Etternia residential complex decided to dismantle an 18-storey tower that developed a visible tilt due to structural distress before it could be handed over to homebuyers.
The affected structure, identified as Tower E, is part of the premium SNN Raj Etternia project, which comprises 15 residential towers. While the damaged tower has never been occupied, the proposed demolition has raised concerns among residents of neighbouring apartments and nearby educational institutions because of its location in a densely populated area.
The developer has assured residents that the tower will be dismantled scientifically, without the use of explosives, and that all necessary safety measures will be implemented throughout the operation.
Tower developed tilt before handover
According to the developer, Tower E experienced structural distress before possession could be given to buyers. After identifying the issue, the company informed the authorities and decided to demolish and reconstruct the building instead of attempting repairs.
The company stated that none of the apartments in the affected tower had been occupied and that the handover process had not commenced.
Residents of the remaining towers said they were relieved that the issue had been identified before occupation and appreciated the developer’s decision to rebuild the structure rather than conceal the defect.
Neighbouring residents express safety concerns
Although many homeowners believe their towers remain safe because they are located around 30 metres from the affected building, concerns persist due to the presence of schools and residential layouts surrounding the project.
Cambridge International School is located immediately adjacent to the apartment complex, while another educational institution functions opposite the site. Hundreds of students, families and senior citizens use the surrounding roads daily.
Residents said the demolition of an 18-storey building in such a busy neighbourhood has naturally created apprehension.
Some residents urged the authorities and the developer to keep the public informed about the demolition schedule so that adequate precautions can be taken during the operation.
Developer outlines demolition plan
A company representative said the building would not be demolished using controlled blasting.
Instead, the structure will be dismantled floor by floor using diamond-cutting technology and cranes, a method intended to minimise vibrations and prevent debris from affecting nearby buildings.
The representative said every precaution would be taken to ensure that even small pieces of concrete do not fall outside the designated work area.
The developer also assured residents that the company would bear the entire cost of dismantling and reconstructing the tower.
Marshland cited as cause of structural distress
Explaining the possible reason for the problem, the company representative said the site was previously a lakebed and marshland.
According to the representative, weak soil conditions beneath the structure affected the foundation, resulting in the tower developing a slight tilt.
The company stated that piling depth should have been greater, though construction had commenced based on the cube testing results available at the time.
The developer maintained that it accepted responsibility for the losses and reiterated that rebuilding the tower was the safest course of action.
Civic body withdraws occupancy certificate
Meanwhile, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has withdrawn the occupancy certificate (OC) issued to one of the five blocks of the SNN Raj Etternia complex.
The authority has also issued a show-cause notice to the empanelled structural engineer who certified the building’s stability, based on which the occupancy certificate was granted in April this year.
Officials are expected to examine whether all structural safety norms were followed before the certificate was issued.
Authorities expected to monitor operation
The proposed dismantling of Tower E is expected to be closely monitored by civic authorities and technical experts to ensure public safety.
With schools, residential layouts and apartment complexes located in close proximity, residents have urged authorities to maintain transparency and provide timely updates throughout the demolition process.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of structural safety, quality control and strict regulatory oversight in high-rise residential developments across Bengaluru.