Several ageing public buildings in Kannur city are in a state of severe disrepair and face the risk of collapse, raising serious safety concerns- especially as some of these structures stand alongside the national highway. Although the City Corporation had earlier decided to demolish a number of such unsafe buildings, no concrete follow-up action has been taken so far. The risk was underlined a few days ago when a portion of an old Corporation-owned building at Caltex collapsed onto a parked car, causing extensive damage.

The 50-year-old structure at Caltex had been earmarked for demolition, but the plan was stalled after two traders operating shops in the building approached the Kerala High Court and secured a stay order. As a result, the Corporation was forced to halt the demolition process. Local residents said that pieces of concrete frequently fall from the building, posing a constant danger to passersby. They added that the steel reinforcement bars in the structure have completely corroded, while doors and windows have already collapsed.

"Despite the evident danger, the Corporation authorities have failed to install warning signs around the dilapidated building," a local resident said.

Similar conditions prevail at the Old Bus Stand Complex and the Jawahar Stadium buildings, both owned by the City Corporation. At the Old Bus Stand Complex, widespread corrosion and decay are visible, with portions of the concrete roof and beams frequently breaking off and falling to the ground. Although the Corporation had earlier prepared a ₹40-crore project to construct a new shopping complex in place of the old bus stand, the proposal has seen no progress.

The Jawahar Stadium Complex is also in a critical condition. The section near the stage is reportedly on the verge of collapse, with corroded steel reinforcements clearly visible. Shopkeepers vacated the premises years ago due to safety concerns. However, the Corporation has yet to draw up a demolition plan, even as heavy vehicular traffic and pedestrians pass close to the building every day.

Two other major buildings posing a threat are located near the Chamber of Commerce on the national highway, which is busy with vehicles and pedestrians. Almost the entire steel rods in the concrete roof of both these buildings have corroded and are exposed. 

Incidents of the collapse of sections of the concrete are frequent in these buildings. Pedestrians passing near these buildings face a double risk - of concrete slabs collapsing over them on one side and speeding vehicles on the other. The two buildings were marked for demolition as part of a project to construct a flyover in the area. But, despite the threat to people and vehicles, the authorities failed to take urgent action to pull them down.