Bhubaneswar, Nov. 20 -- The Orissa High Court has expressed serious concern over unsafe buildings across Cuttack city, asking why dangerous structures have not yet been demolished despite multiple warnings. The court's remarks came while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to civic issues in the city, triggered by the recent collapse of a balcony at Manisahu Chhak that put residents on edge.

During the hearing, the High Court questioned the administration on the delay in pulling down hazardous buildings. Responding to the query, Cuttack Additional District Magistrate Shiva Shankar Tapo informed the court that 219 unsafe buildings have been identified across the city. He assured the bench that demolition drives would begin ...