Stephen Court residents to be allowed to move to lower floors

Residents of fire-ravaged Stephen Court building on Park Street where 43 perished in the inferno a week ago will be allowed to move to the unaffected floors after 10 days.

The building was inspected today by representatives of police, CESC, Kolkata municipal corporation and fire services after which a meeting was held that decided to allow residents to enter the lower floors of the building provided they gave a bond that they would not use the lifts, air conditioners and computers.

"It has been decided that some residents will be allowed to reside. The residents of B and C blocks on the third and fourth floors will be allowed in after 10 days," KMC DG (Building-2) Debashis Kar said.

"The residents will have to give a bond that they will not use excess power or use electrical equipment like air conditioners, lifts and computers," Kar said. 

The shops on the ground would remain closed. "It might take some time before we can make the building safe for all," he said, adding "The entire building will have be checked and reconstructed before it is permanently opened to all."

KMC officials said workers were still clearing the debris and it will take more time.