BHOPAL: In each of the 19 Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) zones, there are an estimated 12 dilapidated structures. With the Met department predicting heavy rain in the city, it seems to be too late for the civic body to take any action now. Moreover, several of the constructions are in litigation.

According to a BMC internal report, there are 15 to 20 buildings in each zone, that are deemed dilapidated. The most dilapidated buildings are in zone 2, 3, 4 and 5. There are buildings mostly of the Nawabi era or the Housing Board and Corporation constructions, which are so dilapidated. A lot has been said about restoration and protection of heritage, but all that lies ahead for the administration is to deem the structure risk to public safety and hammer it down.

Currently there is a high alert for rain in Sehore district, the catchment area for Upper Lake in Bhopal. “We estimate a heavy downpour will result in lifting the lakes level to a comfortable level. Full tank level of the Upper Lake is 1666.80 feet. On Saturday, the level was 1659.80 feet,” said a BMC water supply wing official.

As many as 242 buildings are declared dilapidated in the city. Structures caving in due to excessive downpour is not new. Recently, 44 shops located opposite Bharat Talkies had collapsed. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the accident. But a major accident cannot be ruled out, sources said.