Chairperson, Standing Committee Satya Sharma held a high-level review meeting with the Deputy Commissioners and Executive Engineers of all 12 zones regarding the status of unsafe and dilapidated buildings. Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee Satyapal Singh and Leader of the House Shri Jaibhagwan Yadav were also present. They stated that strictest action would be ensured against illegal construction. Members of the Standing Committee and other councillors also shared their suggestions and raised various issues related to illegal construction and unsafe and dilapidated buildings.
Satya Sharma directed the officials to learn from the Satya Niketan incident and conduct a time-bound survey of unsafe and dilapidated buildings across all 12 zones. A priority list of buildings posing the highest risk should be prepared. She directed that a detailed report on identified unsafe buildings be submitted within one week, including details of surveys conducted, notices issued, sealing, partial/full demolition and pending cases.
She directed that priority action be taken against unsafe buildings, particularly in old markets, densely populated areas and those located near roads, markets and public places. Buildings already declared unsafe should be dealt with in a time-bound manner through sealing, vacation and partial or complete demolition, as per rules.
Taking cognisance of the Satya Niketan building incident, she also directed that necessary action be taken as per rules regarding the unauthorised fifth floor of the building. She made it clear that negligence in cases where illegal construction compromises the structural safety of a building would not be tolerated, and accountability of the concerned officials would be fixed.
Unsafe and Dilapidated Buildings Housing Paying Guest (PG) Accommodations to Also Be Inspected
Officials were directed to submit the report of the ongoing survey of PG accommodations operating in Delhi, to ensure that no PG is being operated in an unsafe or dilapidated building. Such cases should be identified, the structural safety of the building assessed and necessary action taken as per rules.
MCD Should Have Its Own Structural Engineers
Satya Sharma said that assessment of the structural safety of buildings is extremely important. She emphasised the need for MCD to have its own structural engineers so that the Corporation can effectively assess the structural safety of buildings at its own level.
She directed officials to ensure time-bound verification of complaints regarding unsafe buildings received from the public, councillors, RWAs and other sources. She said that the objective of the meeting was not merely to collect data, but to prevent potential accidents in time. All zones were directed to regularly review the action taken and submit reports within the prescribed timeline.
Accountability of Officials to Be Fixed in Cases of Illegal Construction
Satya Sharma directed officials to fix responsibility in every zone or ward where illegal construction is taking place. She said that if timely action is not taken despite officials being aware of illegal construction, the concerned officers and employees should be held accountable.
She stated that negligence in matters related to unsafe buildings and illegal construction would not be tolerated at any level.
