Thane-like tragedies are waiting to happen

Pathetic, tragic, criminal... no words can describe the misfortune that has befallen the victims  of the Thane building collapse on April 5. Actually, Thane-like tragedies are waiting to happen all around us thanks to the deadly nexus between greedy politicians and babus. In yesterday's Thane collapse, the labourers embraced untimely death while earning  two square meals the hard way. But those responsible for their misfortune (greedy politicians and babus) will in all probability never get punished for their negligence, and will continue to live a decent life. See the irony. The earthquake-prone Japan tries its best and even succeeds in minimizing the impact of tremors. But in India the greedy politicians and babus turn a blind eye to many dangerous violations by builders and contractors which cause man-made disasters, devouring hundreds of innocent lives with surprising regularity here and there. In Thane, 72 persons have been forced to embrace untimely death just by turning a blind eye to various violations by the very people who are supposed to check them. For disasters like Thane, we should make the elected representatives of the area accountable along with government officers responsible for allowing unauthorized constructions. It's an open secret that no big construction in the country can take place without the blessings of the elected representatives.