Thiruvananthapuram: In a decisive move aimed at bolstering public safety, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the Disaster Management Department to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks, detailing structurally weak and dilapidated buildings across the state including government offices, schools, and hospitals.
The directive came during a high-level review meeting held to assess the safety and sustainability of public infrastructure. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of classifying buildings into two distinct categories: those requiringg immediate demolition and those that can be repaired and restored.
“Particular attention must be given to school buildings,” the Chief Minister said. “Demolition of school structures must be scheduled during vacation periods to avoid disruption to academic activities.” He further directed that local self-governing bodies, Parent-Teacher Associations, and the Education Department should collaboratively make arrangements for alternative class venues until new buildings are completed.
In a significant expansion of oversight, the Chief Minister also ordered mandatory safety audits of all unaided (private) school buildings, alongside those in the public sector. This marks a strategic pivot toward more inclusive regulation, covering both government-run and privately managed educational institutions.
Looking ahead, a dedicated software platform will be developed to record, track, and monitor the condition of public buildings flagged as unsafe or structurally unsound. The proposed digital registry will serve as a centralized tool for disaster preparedness and infrastructure planning.
In an effort to prevent electrical hazards, the government will also implement an integrated inspection mechanism. The Chief Electrical Inspector, along with engineers from the Local Self-Government Department and the Public Works Department, will jointly conduct systematic electrical safety audits across public facilities.
The meeting witnessed the presence of several key cabinet members including Revenue Minister K Rajan, Finance Minister KN Balagopal, Public Works Minister PA Muhammad Riyas, Public Education Minister V Sivankutty, and Health Minister Veena George. Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak, senior bureaucrats, and district collectors were also in attendance.
This proactive move underscores the state government’s sharpened focus on public safety, particularly in light of recent reports highlighting the vulnerability of several aged buildings across Kerala.