Any structural designer would be surprised to read the article ‘Flat out’, (PM, July 26). It is the basic advantage of the column-beam concrete structures that any wall (which is a diaphragm) can be removed (but not to be added) during the course of its life without endangering the structural stability of a multistoreyed building.

When the rules were formulated in 1966, there were only G+3 structures in and around Pune, which may or may not have total column- beam structures. Some of those may have a combination of load bearing walls with column-beams.

As such removing a wall, which bears some load, would have definitely endangered the stability of a building. But that is not the case now. I think technical advancement should be taken into account and the rules be amended. Otherwise the purpose of having multi-storeyed structures will be defeated.

-   Sharad Mehendale

  Give space to rules   

Thank you Pune Mirror for an informative article on structural anomaly. I think it will help spread awareness among flat owners. People often plead ignorance, which can’t be an excuse, and go on altering their flats. After reading Gopal Khanna’s story many people will think twice before modifying residential properties. Usually, people tend to overlook details related to dos and don’ts after buying homes. Therefore, I would suggest that these rules be included in the NOC issued by the PMC and later society can put up the same on the notice board. Further, the PMC should also clarify whether it has the authority to allow merging of flats if permission is sought.
 
-  Sub Maj Pitabash Kar (retd)

I think Khanna is not an isolated case and I am sure many more flats have been merged in multi-storied buildings in the city. These can be traced by inspecting those flats which are located on the same floor and registered in the name of a single person.

-  Chandan Sharma

  Use alternate route 

This is with reference to ‘BRTS pushed aside for PMC’s new subway’, (PM, July 26). I feel citizens can do their bit in reducing traffic jams on Satara Road by using alternate routes till the work for flyover and the subway at the Katraj- Swargate BRT route is completed. It will be a win-win situation for both regular commuters as well as PMPML.
 
-  C V Narayanan

  Red mud threat 
 
I would like to highlight a civic apathy which has been posing a risk to the safety of commuters inside the University of Pune campus. I have observed that red mud is used on both sides of the roads inside the campus. Even a slight drizzle makes the mud come onto the road creating problems for pedestrians and motorcyclists as the surface becomes slippery. I hope the authorities take corrective measures .
-  K Viswanathan