New Delhi: Days after the Hauz Rani fire tragedy, the Delhi government has initiated action against 124 properties identified for regulatory gaps, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has demolished 94 structures and sealed 114 since June 1 as part of a citywide enforcement drive against buildings flouting fire safety norms and building codes.
Government Directives and Crackdown
According to the chief minister's office, the government has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to intensify its special anti-encroachment campaign. Authorities are also considering blacklisting architects found facilitating unauthorised constructions. The crackdown is part of the Delhi government's zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions, encroachments, violations of fire safety norms, and activities that pose a threat to public safety.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the objective is to establish a long-term mechanism that would prevent dangerous and unauthorised constructions in the city. Multiple agencies, including the revenue department, MCD, and DDA, have been tasked with carrying out coordinated action across the city.
District-Wide Inspections and Actions
District-wise inspections on Saturday revealed widespread irregularities. Notices were issued following inspections in North, East, West, South West, and Central districts. In the South district, 11 premises were sealed and 19 were issued show-cause notices. Three unauthorised buildings were demolished in the North West district, while sealing and closure notices were issued in New Delhi and Central districts. In one case in Old Delhi, the matter was referred to MCD after officials found a fire NOC was available but the sanctioned building plan was missing.
On Thursday, the Delhi government formed 13 committees under the district magistrates to carry out action against illegal constructions and establishments. Between June 1 and 6, MCD has issued 84 show-cause notices, 41 sealing notices, and 33 demolition orders. Officials said the action was aimed at both removing existing violations and preventing future illegal construction.
Structural Reforms and Digital Tracking
The government is also examining structural reforms to improve compliance by introducing a third-party insurance framework for buildings, guesthouses, nursing homes, and other public-use establishments. Under it, insurance coverage would be linked to compliance with structural and fire safety norms, the CM said. Additionally, the CM has asked officials to develop a digital tracking system to record the entire timeline of fire emergencies.
MCD Actions in South Delhi
Since June 1, MCD has carried out 41 demolition and sealing actions in south Delhi areas, including Said-ul-Azaib, Hauz Rani, Khirki Extension, Savitri Nagar, Khanpur, Sainik Farms, and Gautam Nagar. These properties were violating construction regulations, carrying illegal constructions, running B&Bs and guesthouses, and running libraries in basements in an unlawful manner.
Overall, MCD has acted in 158 such cases in all its zones. It is also conducting a survey to identify illegal commercial and residential properties.
