New Delhi: The recent building collapse in Saidulajab has brought to the forefront the systemic dangers posed by unchecked and unauthorised construction of multi-storey structures in densely populated residential pockets of Delhi. A spot check by this publication revealed several five-to-six-storey buildings — crammed with creative co-working spaces, commercial studios, and student rentals — standing cheek by jowl in the narrow lanes, which appeared stretched beyond their capacity.
Allegations of Corruption and Negligence
Many local residents alleged that despite periodic government notices, corrupt officials ensured that illegal constructions continued unabated. Apart from the periodic vibrations caused by nearby Metro rakes, the lanes are too narrow for emergency vehicles. Thus, Saturday's tragedy has underscored a long-ignored crisis in the area.
Residents claimed that the collapsed building had exceeded permissible construction limits and was under official scrutiny. According to many, a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) notice had been pasted on the building around three months ago, directing the removal of certain unauthorised portions. While some sections were reportedly demolished thereafter, locals alleged that construction activity resumed soon and additional floors continued to be added. A probe is underway to verify these allegations.
Widespread Illegal Constructions
What stood out during the spot check was that the collapsed building did not appear to be an anomaly. Similar structures dot the neighbourhood, with locals repeatedly pointing to recently built or expanded buildings towering over the narrow lanes. In the event of a fire, the consequences could be far more catastrophic, they feared.
In one of the narrow lanes in the middle of a densely packed locality, a six-storey building with fresh tiles, glass windows, and spanking exteriors was spotted. It was advertised as a co-working space. Its upper floors house a range of commercial activities, including a painting studio, a podcast studio, a racing simulator, a reel-making studio, and a café. A promotional board advertised hourly rentals for the co-working spaces.
Impact on Students and Residents
Thousands of students, many of whom pay between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000 a month in rent, live in similar multi-storeyed buildings nearby. Long-time residents of Saidulajab said that its infrastructure is struggling to cope with the rapid growth. “There is hardly space for a car to pass through some of these lanes, yet construction has continued at a blistering pace,” said Ravi, a local. “This tragedy has raised questions that we have been asking for years.”
At the entrance of the lane where the building collapsed, another four-storey grey structure stands, which locals and students claimed has been constructed within the past six months. “Civic officials keep conducting inspections and putting up notices on many buildings,” said Jitender, a student who lives nearby. “But we have rarely seen one being demolished for flouting construction rules. After a brief lull, construction work quietly resumes.”
