Ceiling collapses in Raipur Collectorate

 

 

 

A major mishap was narrowly averted on Sunday morning when the ceiling of Room No. 8 at the Raipur Collectorate premises collapsed around 4 am. Several Government files were buried under the debris, raising fears of permanent damage to valuable documents. There was no casualty reported as the office was closed for the weekend. Room No. 8 of the Collectorate whose roof collapsed functions as a record room where important departmental files and documents are stored. Sources revealed that staff who previously worked in the room had been shifted a few days ago for safety reasons. Employees also pointed out that female staff members often used the room for lunch, raising concerns over what could have happened if the ceiling had collapsed during working hours.

 

The sudden crash alerted the building’s watchman, who filmed the scene and immediately informed senior officials. Administrative officers rushed to the spot, inspected the damage, and initiated debris removal to salvage documents. Authorities admitted that had the incident occurred on a working day, it could have resulted in serious casualties. Constructed during the British era, the Collectorate building has long been in a dilapidated state. Officials said that several other rooms—including Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11—are also in fragile condition, leaving employees vulnerable to similar risks. The administration has ordered an immediate inspection of the entire premises to assess structural stability and ensure safety measures are in place. The collapse has once again highlighted the urgent need for repairs and alternative arrangements to protect both government staff and valuable records.