Balco Structural collapse

What possibly can an Indian and Chinese collaboration in construction sector achieve? Since, there just are too many of us, sometimes wonders and sometimes a large number of dead.

This time the news of forty nine dead and Chinese being chased at the Indian airports on TV screens or newspapers did not bother me. Not because the reports were small in length but that I have now become complacent with these accidents becoming a routine.

Majority of dead in this Balco Power plant 23rd Sept 2009 collapse which happened in Korba, Chhattisgarh, India; were from the central and eastern belt of India i.e. Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states.

Media reports after ten odd days give some consolidated picture. As following:

1. Either poor quality or extreme wind is the most likely cause of collapse.
2. A police report has been launched against the management of the companies and they are being questioned.
3. Bihar and Jharkhand state governments each have announced compensations of One lakh rupees per dead head. The company, 5 lakh.

But as an engineer what one can ask is, and what remains is:

1. What were the general procedures set up for safety at site?
2. Did the ‘Construction Method Statement’ (a document which details out the erection work procedure) for a specialist construction like this mentions risks and safety features?
3. Who assumes responsibilities for the above?
4. Will the causes of collapse be examined by a technical committee, will there be some lessons, and will it be put on public domain?
   

As a common man all I can now ask for is some clarity with the compensation.