Escalating Crisis at Chintels Paradiso: Tower C Declared Uninhabitable Amid Rapid Corrosion Issues

The ongoing structural crisis at Gurgaon’s Chintels Paradiso residential complex has intensified with the recent declaration of Tower C as unsafe for habitation. This announcement, driven by a new report from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), highlights severe issues of rapid corrosion that have now rendered this seventh tower unfit for occupancy. This development raises significant concerns about the safety and future of the remaining structures within the complex.

The Current Situation

Tower C's status as unsafe follows a troubling pattern at Chintels Paradiso. The residential complex, which comprises nine towers, has been plagued with structural problems over the past two years. In February 2022, a catastrophic incident occurred when a portion of a sixth-floor apartment in Tower D collapsed, leading to the deaths of two women and injuring a man. This event prompted an immediate inspection and subsequent evacuation of several towers.

As of the latest report, Tower C has joined the list of uninhabitable towers, which already includes D, E, F, G, H, and J. The audit report reveals that the primary issue is rapid corrosion due to high levels of chlorides and significant carbonation. This deterioration has led to the severe weakening of the structural elements, including columns, beams, and slabs.

Findings of the Audit Report

The audit report from CBRI provides a detailed analysis of the corrosion issue. It reveals that the chloride content in the concrete of Tower C exceeds permissible limits by up to six times. This excessive chloride has accelerated the corrosion of reinforcement bars within the structure, leading to a critical reduction in their load-bearing capacity.

The report quantifies the impact of this corrosion: the reinforcement area has reduced by 15%, which has resulted in failure percentages of 42.63% for columns, 45.80% for beams, and over 95% for slabs. This significant deterioration makes retrofitting and repairs economically unfeasible and raises serious concerns about the structural integrity of the tower.

The CBRI suggests that the safe demolition of Tower C is advisable due to the high cost and ineffectiveness of potential retrofitting efforts. The report emphasizes that the cost of repairing the damage would be substantial and would not guarantee long-term durability or safety.

Impact on Residents 

The ongoing crisis at Chintels Paradiso has had a profound impact on its residents. The evacuation of the affected towers has displaced numerous families, causing considerable distress and disruption. The rapid escalation of issues from Tower D to Tower C underscores a broader systemic problem within the complex that needs urgent attention.

The local administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, has been actively involved in addressing these issues. The previous evacuations and inspections have already drawn attention to the broader implications of these structural failures. Moving forward, the focus will need to be on ensuring the safety of the remaining towers and providing support to displaced residents.

A comprehensive assessment of the remaining towers in Chintels Paradiso is crucial. Authorities must ensure that similar issues do not affect other parts of the complex. Furthermore, there should be a thorough review of construction practices and regulatory compliance to prevent future occurrences of such crises.

Broader Implications and Industry Response

The Chintels Paradiso situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of structural integrity and regular maintenance in high-rise residential buildings. It highlights the need for stringent quality controls and adherence to construction standards to ensure the safety and longevity of buildings.

The construction industry, regulators, and developers need to take proactive measures to address these issues. This includes investing in regular inspections, adhering to maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The situation at Chintels Paradiso could potentially lead to new regulations or stricter enforcement of existing ones to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Way Forward

The latest report from CBRI paints a grim picture of structural deterioration, leading to the recommendation for Tower C's demolition. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the immediate safety concerns, support displaced residents, and implement measures to prevent future structural failures in residential buildings. 

Image source- chintels.com