No local body has implemented guidelines despite order, says govt official; builders continue to avoid using laminated glass to save money

Published: 26th April 2022 06:53 AM   |   Last Updated: 26th April 2022 02:56 PM   |   A+ A  A-

A shop with glass panels. (Photo | Arun Angela, EPS)

KOCHI: Nearly two years after a woman died after she bumped into a glass door, many highrises and residential buildings are yet to implement government guidelines on mounting glass panels. It seems most builders give scant regard to the norms prescribed to ensure safety in buildings.

The government guidelines stipulate that toughened or laminated glass should be used to partition rooms or halls. Besides, clear signage and warning stickers should be fixed on glass panels to give an idea to the public about the glass door. Though the government directed the local self-government department to implement the order by inspecting the buildings two years ago, not a single local body in the state has started implementing it, said an engineer with Kochi corporation, on condition of anonymity.

“Apart from giving an oral instruction to use laminated glass to partition rooms, halls, or at entry points, no one made it compulsory. But we have found that some big construction companies are using laminated glass,” the official said. 

It was following the death of a 43-year-old woman, on June 14, 2020, after she bumped into the glass door of a bank in Perumbavoor, that the government announced the guidelines. After she accidentally hit the glass door, it broke up and a piece pierced her stomach.

Leading architect S Gopakumar, who is also the president of the Better Kochi Response Group (BKRG), said the rules are being flouted. “Compared to ordinary glass, laminated glass is a bit costly. To save money on construction, most of the builders don’t use laminated glass as a door or a wall. The local self-government department should provide the occupancy certificate only if the builders follow the order,” Gopakumar said. Earlier, the Kerala High Court had asked the government to consider amending the building rules to ensure safety, and directed it to come up with a proposal within a month. The court issued the directive while considering a public interest litigation filed by Siddique Babu. When queried on the matter, Urban Affairs Secretary Arun K Vijayan told TNIE that steps will be taken to implement the order. 

What the govt guidelines say

Toughened glass has a safe breakage pattern, as it breaks and disintegrates into small and relatively harmless particles

But thick toughened glass particles may stay interlocked and fall as lumps, cau-sing a minor or medium injury.

Disclaimer : We respect your thoughts and views! But we need to be judicious while moderating your comments. All the comments will be moderated by the newindianexpress.com editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks. Try to avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines.

The views expressed in comments published on newindianexpress.com are those of the comment writers alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of newindianexpress.com or its staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of The New Indian Express Group, or any entity of, or affiliated with, The New Indian Express Group. newindianexpress.com reserves the right to take any or all comments down at any time.

Protest seeking resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa enters 50th day

Cannes to wrap with presentation of Palme d'Or on Saturday

Security forces arrest militant associate in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla

Home that inspired 'The Conjuring' sells for more than USD 1.5 million

Sharp spike in missing children cases due to Covid impact: NGOs call for increased sensitisation, vigilance

NSUI activists requesting postponement of TET exam taken into custody at Minister's residence 

The Morning Standard | Dinamani | Kannada Prabha | Samakalika Malayalam | Indulgexpress | Edex Live | Cinema Express | Event Xpress

Contact Us | About Us | Careers | Privacy Policy | Search | Terms of Use | Advertise With Us

Home | Nation | World | Cities | Business | Columns | Entertainment | Sport | Magazine | The Sunday Standard