Guidelines for Demolition of Existing Building in a Congested Area

Government of West Bengal
Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs
(Municipal Affairs Branch)
“NAGARAYAN”, 6th Floor,
DF -8, Sector-I, Salt Lake, Kolkata -700 064

No. 748/UDMA-15011(12)/392/2022-LS-MA SEC Dated, Kolkata, the 4th day of October, 2023

Guidelines on specific precautionary measures to be taken by the owner/ builder/ lessee(s) during demotion of existing building in a congested residential area.

WHEREAS, it has been observed that a large number of new buildings are being constructed after demolition of the buildings standing on the plots in congested residential areas within various municipalities and municipal corporations without taking any precautionary measures during demolition of existing building;

WHEREAS, it is recognized that there may be a need to demolish partially or fully, an existing building for various reasons;

HOWEVER, such demolitions must not cause pollution, noise, water and air, beyond permissible limits, and must not cause disturbance to residents around the premises, must not cause hazard to neighbouring residents and workmen engaged in the demolition, and must not cause any damage to neighbouring structures;

AND WHEREAS, after obtaining permission from the concerned municipal authority regarding demolition of buildings, the concerned owner/builder/lessee(s) is required to take specific precautionary measures to comply with the relevant laws and rules during demolition of existing buildings.

But quiet often it has been observed that;

1. Safety measures are not being followed, resulting in debris flying off the building and damaging property and injuring persons in the neighbourhood.
2. The dust generated due to the use of equipment to break concrete and brickwork is uncontrolled and exceeds the safe limits for particulate matter specified as per existing norms, causing dust pollution.
3. The debris is stacked on the street, obstructing free vehicular movement.
4. Site supervisor is not deployed during such demolition work at the site whereas it is absolutely imperative that a trained site supervisor remains present at all times, as long as the demolition process is on.
5. Noise generated due to use of heavy equipment often exceeds permissible limits applicable to residential zones.
6. Trees on the footpath are felled without permission of the Forest Department and are stacked on the street obstructing a part of the thoroughfare.

AND WHEREAS it has been felt necessary to frame guidelines on specific precautionary measures to be taken by the owner/builder/lessee(s) during demotion of existing building in a congested residential area for re-erection of buildings over the same plot of land;

NOW THEREFORE the Department hereby introduces the following guidelines for the concerned owner/builder/lessee(s) to be followed during demotion of existing building in a congested residential area for re-erection of buildings over the same plot of land within various municipalities and municipal corporations:

1. Before beginning any demolition programme, the owner shall carry out a careful study of the structure to be pulled down and its surroundings. He shall then prepare a plan of procedure of the demolition work which shall be vetted by a qualified structural engineer.
2. The demolition plan so vetted shall be shared with the local municipal authority as well as the owners/occupants of the immediate neighbouring premises.
3. The owner shall follow the demolition protocols scrupulously so as not to damage the foundation or structures of neighbouring buildings.
4. The owner shall appoint a site engineer who shall be present at site during the entire period of demolition to ensure that all systems are in place to prevent structural damage to neighbouring buildings. The demolition work is to be executed taking care of adjoining structures under the supervision of qualified or empanelled Structural Engineer as per provision of rule 97 of the West Bengal Municipal Building Rules, 2007 / rule 20 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Building Rules, 2009.
5. Danger signs should be prominently displayed all around the structure to be demolished and unauthorized persons shall not be allowed access to the structure. Red lights should be put at night and a watchman should be engaged during the period of demolition.
6. Power lines and all service lines such as those of gas, water etc. should be disconnected before initiation of demolition work.
7. Movement through every sidewalk or street adjacent to the site may be regulated/restricted as may be required for safety reasons.
8. Before demolition work is started, glazed sash, glazed doors and windows, fragile and loose fixtures, etc, shall be removed. All loose plaster shall be stripped off throughout the entire buildings this also eliminates a large amount of dust producing material before more substantial parts of the buildings are removed.
9. The demolition shall always proceed systematically store) by storey in descending order and the work on the upper floors shall be completely over before any of the supporting members or other important portion on the lower floor is disturbed.
10. Dismantled materials may be thrown to the ground only after taking adequate precautions. The material shall preferably be dumped inside the building. Normally such materials shall be lowered to the ground or to the top of the sidewalk shed where provided by means of ropes or suitable tackles.
11. The unserviceable debris material should be segregated shall be removed from the demolition site to a location as required by the local civil authority. Depending on the space available at the demolition site, this operation of convening debris to its final disposal location may have to be carried out a number of tunes. Materials which are likely to cause dust nuisance or undue environmental pollution in any other way, shall be removed from the site at the earliest and till then they shall be suitably covered. Such materials shall be covered during transportation as well.
12. Structural or load supporting members on any floor shall not be cut or removed until all the storeys above that floor have been demolished and removed.
13. Foundation walls which serve as retaining walls to support earth or adjoining structure, shall not be demolished until such an adjoining structure has been underpinned or braced and the earth removed by sheet piling or sheathing.
14. No demolition work should be carried out at night especially when the building or structure to be demolished is in an inhabited area. No demolition work snail be carried out during storm and heavy rain. A warning device shall be installed in the area to be used to warm the workers in case of any danger. Safety helmets conforming to IS 2925 : 1984 shall be used by the workmen where there is any likelihood of material falling from top. Goggles preferably made of celluloid lens shall be worn at the time of demolition of walls, floors, tearing of plaster, etc, especially when instruments like jack hammers are employed in demolition work, to protect the eyes from injuries from flying pieces, dirt, dust, etc, that may be blown up by the wind. It is desirable that leather or rubber gloves should be worn by the workers while demolishing RCC work or removing steel work, etc, where the hands of the workers are likely to be injured. Water may be used to reduce dust while tearing down plaster from brickwork. No unnecessary work shall go on below when demolition is in progress above. Safety belts shall be used by labourers while working at higher level to prevent falling from the structure. First-aid equipment shall be available at all demolition works of any magnitude. Also, by prior arrangement, a qualified doctor shall be available at call. When there is a possibility of fire breaking out, appropriate portable first-aid fire appliances (see IS 2190 : 1979) shall be kept at hand.
15. The noise level as specified in Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and other standards applicable to residential zones shall be maintained at all times.
16. The air quality as specified in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards published in 2009 shall be maintained at all times.
17. The rapid removal of waste comprising of building materials, debris and rubble resulting from construction, re-modelling, repair and demolition of any civil structure from the site and from the road side etc. shall be ensured.
18. The owner shall scrupulously follow the directions given vide Notification No. EN/3170/TIV-7/001/2009 dated, the 10th December, 2009 and the guidelines for use of Anti Smog Guns issued by the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal for the purpose of curbing air pollution and other environmental hazards (copy enclosed).
19. All kinds of Construction & Demolition Waste generated in different areas of Urban Local Bodies within Kolkata Metropolitan Area need to be sent to Patharghata Construction & Demolition Waste processing facility developed by Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The guideline is issued in the public interest and shall come into immediate effect.

All the municipal bodies are requested to monitor the proper implementation of the guidelines and to ensure discharge of duties and responsibilities of all stakeholders duly during carrying out of demolition works.

Special Secretary to the Government of West Bengal