A Bengaluru-based real estate developer, SNN Raj Corp, has appointed Edifice Engineering, the firm behind the controlled demolition of Noida's Supertech Twin Towers, to dismantle a structurally tilted 18-storey residential building. This move marks a rare instance of a developer voluntarily choosing full reconstruction to mitigate future risks for customers.
Voluntary Demolition of Block E-3
The affected structure is Block E-3 within SNN Raj Etternia, a residential project located near Kudlu, off Hosur Road in Bengaluru. The developer detected a structural tilt during final quality inspections, prior to handing over possession of apartments to homebuyers. Investigations revealed that incorrect soil data in two boreholes led to differential settlement, causing the tower to deviate by approximately 200 mm across its 60-meter height. This tilt was imperceptible to the naked eye and required specialized instruments for detection.
Despite consultants suggesting stabilization through micro-piling, SNN Raj Corp opted for complete demolition and rebuilding. Anuj Sanjay Jain, Director of Operations at SNN Raj Corp, stated, "We were told the building could be stabilised, but there was still a possibility that structural issues could arise 10 to 15 years later. We were not willing to pass that risk on to our customers."
Compensation and Reconstruction Timeline
The demolition process is anticipated to take five to six months, followed by an 18-month reconstruction period. The entire rebuilding exercise is estimated to cost around ₹20 crore, fully funded by SNN Raj Corp, ensuring no financial burden on customers.
All 49 affected homebuyers, who had purchased premium apartments with an average ticket size of ₹1.5 crore, will receive financial compensation during the reconstruction phase. This compensation is designed to cover both EMI and rental expenses, depending on the size of each apartment. Homebuyers have reportedly been supportive of the developer's decision after understanding the long-term structural risks.
Advanced Demolition Techniques
Edifice Engineering will employ diamond wire rope cutting for the demolition. This controlled dismantling technique is chosen to minimize vibrations and ensure the safety and structural integrity of neighboring towers within the SNN Raj Etternia complex, which comprises 972 apartments spread across approximately 15 towers. The structural issue is confirmed to be confined solely to Block E-3.
A Different Precedent
This case stands apart from other high-profile demolitions in India, such as the Supertech Twin Towers in Noida or the Maradu apartment complexes in Kochi, which were carried out following Supreme Court orders due to violations of building regulations. Similarly, Gurugram's Chintels Paradiso faced structural safety concerns after a partial collapse. SNN Raj Corp's proactive decision to demolish and rebuild before possession, based on internal quality checks and geotechnical findings, sets a new precedent for developer responsibility in the real estate sector.