India, Sept. 29 -- Panic gripped Wazirganj on Monday morning after a pillar of a multi-storey residential building developed cracks, bringing the structure to the verge of collapse and forcing the emergency evacuation of 25 families.

The near-tragedy at SA Apartment in Ch Barood Khana exposed a massive enforcement gap. LDA's records revealed the authority had sanctioned a plan for only a stilt plus three floors in 2009. However, the structure was illegally expanded to six floors, apparently burdening the foundation with the weight of three unauthorised storeys.

The incident occurred between 10:30 am and 11:00 am, putting the lives of dozens of residents at risk. LDA officials present at the scene confirmed that rooms had been constructe...