Surat: A major diaphragm wall collapse at an under-construction commercial complex on Vesu Canal Road on Tuesday triggered alarm among residents of the neighbouring residential tower, exposing issues plaguing development approvals and forcing authorities to launch emergency stabilisation measures.A diaphragm wall at the site of a proposed 12-storey commercial complex gave way during excavation for a three-level basement, causing a section of adjoining land to cave into the pit.According to Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials, the collapsed stretch was part of a diaphragm wall about 60 metres wide on one side of the project. The failed wall stood 25 feet from the foundation of the 12-storey residential tower, Dream Heritage.The collapse caused seven feet of peripheral land, including plantation and landscaping along the boundary of the adjoining premises, to cave in.Officials said the site was excavated to a depth corresponding to three basement levels. Construction inside the pit was underway at the time of the incident, with the column structure for the third basement level completed after construction of the diaphragm wall. No injuries were reported.Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause. Officials said assessments will examine whether soil movement, water ingress, construction methods or structural inadequacies contributed to the failure.The project’s approval status also came under scrutiny. “The commercial complex, planned at approximately 45 metres in height and three basements deep, has received in-principle approval to pay development fees. However, the development approvals have not been obtained on payment of fees,” an SMC official said.“In 2025, the SMC Athwa Zone office issued notices to the project to get the required permissions. The project developers were issued notice to stop work, but no further actions were taken,” a zonal official said.As a precaution, officials evacuated the clubhouse of the adjoining residential complex. Teams started work to stabilise the affected area.
