The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Wednesday launched 34 demolition actions, sealed 17 properties, ordered four demolitions, and issued 22 show cause notices for unauthorized construction.
“As part of the intensive enforcement exercise carried out today, 34 demolition actions were undertaken across all 12 zones of the MCD. In addition, 17 properties were sealed, 22 show-cause notices were issued, and 4 demolition orders were passed,” the MCD said.
A citywide survey of PG accommodations has been conducted by the municipal body to create a comprehensive database and guide further action.
“As part of the survey conducted so far, approximately 1,243 buildings where PG facilities are operational have been identified, accommodating approximately 24,000 occupants,” the MCD said.
The move follows the collapse of the Satya Niketan building on Sunday.
On the 6th of September, a five-story paying guest building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area collapsed. The dilapidated building came down while the students were inside it. The collapse claimed the lives of at least 7 people and injured others.
FoEJ Media went on the ground to dig into the impact of the tragedy and the condition of the buildings adjacent to it. While talking to students, the dire condition of the Satya Niketan PGs was highlighted. Students claimed that they are forced to live like “animals” and described the rooms as “match boxes.”
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to launch a crackdown on illegal construction spanning across the city. The Delhi government directed that “dilapidated buildings” near the collapsed structure be demolished.
“On the instructions of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, MCD has been directed to demolish the dilapidated building adjoining the accident site in the interest of public safety. The belongings of students inside the building are being safely removed by Delhi Fire Service personnel in a systematic manner. All students and local residents are requested to cooperate with the authorities,” Delhi CMO wrote on X.
According to the Indian Express, the MCD has till now demolished 58 buildings, sealed 24 properties, and ordered 31 demolitions while issuing 57 show cause notices for unauthorized structures.
The highest number of demolition actions was recorded in the Nareal Zone, making a total of six, whereas the South and Central zones recorded five each. Keshavpuram Zone and Shahdara (North) saw three each, and in Shahdara (South) two were razed down. In addition to this, the MCD sealed 17 properties on Wednesday.
Furthermore, show cause notices were issued to 22 buildings for unauthorized construction, and 27 notices were given for sealing.
From June 1 to September 9, the MCD demolished 1,053 properties, sealed 491, issued 2,316 show-cause notices, and ordered the demolition of 757 properties, the Indian Express reported.
The civic body has also said that the enforcement drive against unauthorized construction, misuse of properties, and dangerous structures will be intensified in coming days.
