Days after the Saket building collapse that claimed six lives, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has begun a crackdown on illegal constructions. According to reports, the MCD has issued notices to the owners of eight buildings in Saket. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also directed the civic body to submit a report on all unauthorised and illegal constructions across the city.
According to a report by The Times of India, MCD officials said they have identified 81 buildings that violate building norms, and a draft action plan is being prepared. South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar told TOI that the next step would be to seal the buildings, followed by demolition.
The crackdown will be carried out across the national capital,
officials said.
“Our first priority is to conduct a joint survey with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). We will coordinate with the DDA and carry out the survey immediately so that action can be taken in compliance with court directions. Once this exercise is completed, we will examine other areas,” Kumar told TOI.
A multi-storey building in Saidulajab, Saket, collapsed last week, killing six people. The building housed a coaching institute, cafés, and offices, while construction work was reportedly underway on its top floor at the time of the collapse.
According to the police, the building owner was planning to construct two additional floors despite apparent violations.
The owner, 71-year-old Karamveer, told police that he was earning around Rs 10 lakh per month from the building’s four floors. Each floor had reportedly been rented out for approximately Rs 2.5 lakh per month.
CM Orders Strict Action
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday and directed officials to inspect dilapidated and hazardous buildings in the surrounding area and take strict action wherever necessary.
“Strict directions have been given by the chief minister to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to carry out an extensive survey of buildings and identify irregularities,” a senior officer told PTI.
Gupta also ordered a magisterial inquiry, headed by the South Delhi district magistrate, to determine the exact cause of the collapse and fix accountability.
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