Introduction This case highlights a blatant disregard for human life and ethical principles, prioritizing private gain over public welfare. The central ethical dilemma lies in the conflict between the builder's pursuit of profit and the right to safety and well-being of the vulnerable migrant laborers, exemplified by the recent Bhiwandi building collapse in Maharashtra, demanding a justice approach based on John Rawls' theory.

Stakeholder Identification Migrant laborers (including women and children), the builder, the government (local and state), the community, regulatory bodies (building inspectors, urban planning department), and other residents of the building.

Answers

Reasons for such incidents:

1. Corruption and Lack of Due Diligence: Bribery and collusion between builders and officials enable illegal construction, bypassing building codes and safety regulations. This highlights the lack of due diligence and violation of the rule of law.
2. Weak Regulatory Oversight: Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of building regulations by authorities contribute to a culture of impunity. This dereliction of duty undermines public trust doctrine.
3. Focus on Short-Term Gain over Long-Term Safety: Builders often prioritize maximizing profits by cutting corners on safety measures, ignoring the long-term consequences and social injustice caused by such actions. This reflects a utilitarian approach focused solely on immediate gains, disregarding the rights approach.
4. Exploitation of Vulnerable Groups: Migrant laborers, often desperate for work, are compelled to accept hazardous working conditions in these illegally constructed buildings. This represents a clear violation of their basic human rights and highlights the social injustice inherent in the system.
5. Lack of Public Awareness and Community Involvement: Insufficient public awareness about building safety regulations and limited community involvement in monitoring construction activities contribute to such incidents. This undermines the virtue approach, as it discourages civic responsibility.

Measures to prevent such incidents:

1. Enhancing Accountability and Transparency: Establish a robust system for building approvals and inspections with clear lines of accountability. Implement a transparent online portal for tracking building permits and inspection reports, ensuring public access to information. This upholds the rule of law and promotes public trust.
2. Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Amend building codes and regulations to incorporate stricter penalties for violations, including criminal charges against builders and corrupt officials. This aligns with the deontological approach, emphasizing the duty to uphold the law.
3. Leveraging Technology: Implement technology-driven solutions like drone surveillance and structural integrity analysis software to monitor construction activities and identify potential risks. This enhances due diligence and promotes a proactive approach to safety.
4. Empowering Local Communities: Establish community-based monitoring committees involving residents and local organizations to oversee construction projects and report violations. This fosters civic responsibility and promotes the virtue approach.
5. Government Intervention and Legislation: Enact legislation mandating the registration and certification of construction workers, ensuring they receive adequate safety training and are aware of their rights. This promotes social justice and protects vulnerable groups.
6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about building safety regulations, encouraging them to report illegal construction activities. This empowers individuals to participate in upholding the rule of law.

Conclusion

This case study underscores the critical need for ethical considerations in construction practices. The collapse highlights the tragic consequences of prioritizing private gain over public welfare and the urgent need for stronger regulations, effective enforcement, and greater public awareness. The "Housing for All" initiative by the Indian government, while aiming to address housing shortages, must prioritize ethical construction practices to prevent similar tragedies. Moving forward, a comprehensive approach encompassing legal, technological, and social measures is crucial to ensure safe and sustainable building practices, upholding the right to life and dignity for all.