The state government would institute various preventive measures against recurrence of building collapses, such as grant of additional Floor Space Index (FSI) in respect of old and dilapidated buildings, Joshi told reporters after a visit to the site of the five-storeyed Sairaj building which collapsed on Saturday at Kisan Nagar, Thane, burying its inmates alive.

The crash claimed 18 lives, besides injuring 20. Fifty persons, still reported missing, are feared trapped under the debris.

Joshi met victims of the accident and their families at the transit camp nearby, and said a detailed inquiry would be conducted and the guilty would not be spared.

However, he didn't announce any compensation from the Chief Minister's Fund, saying he had alreadyordered Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to pay Rs 25,000 to next of kin of the dead and Rs 10,000 each to the injured.

He said he had ordered the municipal commissioner to demolish unauthorised constructions, which according to the latter came to 300. When the demolition programme begins, he said, those rendered homeless would be given tenements till they could arrange for accommodation themselves.

Coming down heavily on local goons who had flourished due to unauthorised constructions at Wagle Estate, Joshi said the Zopadpatti Dada Prevention Act, prevalent in Mumbai, would be enforced in Thane too. The Act would help police detain goon elements for one year without warrant, he added.

Noting that Thane's population had been increasing since the 70s, Joshi said the floating population coming from other states sought accommodation in unauthorised buildings because they were affordable and plenty in number.