A day after a five-storey building housing a boys’ paying guest (PG) accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, killing six people, Chief Minister
Rekha Gupta on Monday revisited the site and announced a series of measures, including action against officials found responsible and a citywide crackdown on unsafe buildings. The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair and renovation work was reportedly underway in the basement. The structure, which housed students from different states, came crashing down suddenly, triggering a massive rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies. Also Read: MCD Evades Questions On Satya Niketan PG Collapse During her visit on Monday morning, Gupta reviewed the ongoing action and reiterated that those responsible would not be spared. An FIR has already been registered against the building owner and others, while a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
“This is a truly tragic incident resulting from the building owner's negligence. It was a very old structure, and the pillars collapsed because the basement had become waterlogged; the entire building came down. Action has already been taken regarding this building, and proceedings will be initiated against the owner,” Gupta said. She added that strict action would also be taken against any Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials found guilty of negligence.
The chief minister directed authorities to immediately seal unsafe buildings across the city, particularly structures with unauthorised fifth floors. She also ordered intensive inspections of nearby PG accommodations and residential buildings, warning that any property found violating safety norms would face sealing and demolition.
"Furthermore, any other dangerous buildings in the vicinity will be identified and demolished. Specifically, we have evacuated the building located directly behind this one, and it will be demolished with immediate effect," she said.
Officials said preliminary investigations point to basement excavation and renovation work as a possible trigger. According to Gupta, a pillar may have shifted during the work, leading to the collapse of the entire structure. Investigators are also examining whether water accumulation during the monsoon weakened the foundation.
The MCD has already declared the adjoining building unsafe, evacuated its occupants and initiated demolition proceedings. Authorities have also launched a broader review of illegal and structurally vulnerable PG accommodations in the area.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of student housing in Satya Niketan, a densely populated neighbourhood known for its large number of hostels and PG facilities catering to Delhi University students.
