JAISALMER: A major accident was narrowly averted in Jaisalmer on Tuesday when a 250-year-old historic building belonging to the Jain Trust suddenly collapsed.The dilapidated structure gave way after excavation work for an allegedly unauthorized basement was carried out at an adjacent construction site.More than ten laborers were working at the basement excavation site when the historic building collapsed. Fortunately, they noticed soil and lime debris falling and managed to escape in time, avoiding what could have been a major tragedy.Upon receiving information about the incident, police and Municipal Council teams rushed to the spot. Authorities cordoned off the area and instructed two nearby families to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.Local resident Deepak Kumar said the collapsed structure was a historic Jain Trust “Upasara” (religious residence for Jain monks and nuns), located just behind the famous Patwon Ki Haveli.The building had been rented out as a warehouse to a local trader. Adjacent to it, a businessman from Mumbai was constructing a basement and had already excavated nearly 15 feet deep. The excavation reportedly weakened the foundation of the old structure, leading to its collapse.He added that around ten laborers were working at the construction site at the time. After noticing signs of instability, they fled the area moments before the building came crashing down.Jaisalmer Municipal Council Commissioner Lajpal Singh Sodha stated that the Jain Trust building in the Rakhecha Pada area was very old and already in a deteriorated condition.He said underground construction work was being carried out on the neighboring property, located within 300 meters of the Jaisalmer Fort.According to Sodha, both the Municipal Council and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had previously issued notices ordering the construction work to be stopped. However, the work allegedly continued despite those notices.“The basement excavation weakened the foundation of the old Jain Trust building, ultimately causing it to collapse on Tuesday,” Sodha said. “Our teams and the Kotwali police immediately reached the site. Notices have now been issued to the Jain Trust directing them to safely dismantle and clear the remaining unsafe portions of the structure.”He further stated that the ASI is initiating action against those responsible for the unauthorized construction work.Kotwali Station House Officer Surjaram Jakhad said that, in the interest of public safety, the administration has instructed neighboring families, including those of Naman Bhatia and Mangilal Jain, to temporarily relocate.Barricades have been erected and public movement on the affected lane has been restricted.The construction site and surrounding impacted area have also been sealed. Debris removal operations are currently underway under administrative supervision.Authorities have issued a notice to the Jain Trust to ensure timely removal of the rubble. Meanwhile, the ASI is expected to serve a notice to the individual responsible for the unauthorized excavation, as the matter involves illegal construction activity and interference with a heritage zone.Neighbor Harsh Jain said the collapsed building once served as an Upasara for Jain monks and nuns during their Chaturmas and other religious stays. The premises were used for spiritual discourses and religious education for devotees.In recent years, due to deterioration and falling lime-plaster and stonework, the structure had been converted into a storage facility.No loss of life or injuries have been reported in the incident. However, the collapse has raised serious concerns over unauthorized construction activities near Jaisalmer’s historic heritage sites.
