NEW DELHI: Every morning, about 150 employees walk into Kidwai Bhawan on Janpath, hoping to make it through another day without being injured. Staffers say as they enter the deteriorating building, they pray that no ceiling gives way, no chunk of concrete falls on someone’s head and no part of the ageing structure collapses while they are at work.Walking out unharmed at the end of the day brings relief, but the apprehension returns the next morning.Located opposite Janpath market, Kidwai Bhawan houses employees of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The building, which comprises two adjoining structures of eight and six floors, has extensive visible signs of deterioration — cracked and peeling concrete, exposed reinforcement bars, damaged balconies, broken windowpanes and vegetation growing out of cracks are visible on its exterior. In several places, plaster has come off walls and ceilings, exposing brickwork and the material beneath the surface.Employees said the condition of the building has become increasingly alarming, with debris falling several times. In Aug, debris fell from the roof, injuring a woman. Instead of being moved out of the building, she was shifted to another room on the same floor, according to employees, who did not wish to be named.Workers alleged such incidents have become a recurring concern. “Whenever a portion of the building becomes unsafe after debris falls or structural damage is noticed, we are shifted to another room or floor, while work continues in other sections,” an employee claimed.According to some employees, about two years ago, a large structure near the rear parking had collapsed, following which signboards were placed warning people to stay away from areas where debris poses a safety risk. Workers said the warnings reflect the risks they face daily, but have not resolved the larger problem.The damage is not limited to the building’s exterior. Several employees flagged deteriorating ceilings, damaged walls and water accumulation inside, including in areas around washrooms. The condition of overhead sections has left workers worried that loose plaster or concrete could fall without warning. The balconies and exterior slabs have also raised concerns, with some portions appearing heavily weathered and damaged.The deteriorating condition has also affected routine maintenance. Employees TOI spoke to said technicians have refused to stand near certain balconies or work on air-conditioning units because the surrounding structure appears unsafe.According to staff, complaints have been made repeatedly to the authorities, but comprehensive repairs or a permanent solution have yet to materialise. Some also alleged that employees have been discouraged from raising the issue, but these claims could not be independently verified.For the employees, the concern is immediate and personal. They are not merely worried about inconvenience caused by shifting rooms, but that a more serious structural failure could put several people at risk at once.The building falls within the NDMC area but does not belong to the council. When contacted, NDMC chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said the issue had never been brought to the council’s notice. “The matter will be looked into. A team will be sent to inspect the building and contact the building owners, MTNL and BSNL, to discuss the concerns raised, including the risks posed by falling concrete. Necessary action will be taken after the discussions with the owners,” he added. TOI’s effort to get a reaction from the building owners didn’t bear fruit.
