The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated a large-scale demolition and sealing operation targeting unauthorised constructions and commercial establishments across the capital following a tragic fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives. The incident has also raised serious questions about the civic body's scrutiny of licences linked to the property.
Owner Applied for Licence Renewal on Morning of Fire
According to officials, Jay Mishra, the registered owner of Flourish Stay B&B, submitted an online application on June 3 seeking renewal of a “Tea and Snacks Stall (without seats)” licence. The application was filed between 9.30 am and 10 am, the same morning a fire tore through the six-storey building, killing 21 people. Rescue operations were still underway at the time.
Officials stated that the tea-and-snacks licence had expired in April and was due for annual renewal. However, the ground floor was allegedly operating as a full-fledged restaurant with a kitchen and seating, despite lacking a licence for such use. The Delhi Fire Service has indicated that the blaze originated in the ground-floor area.
Scrutiny Conducted a Day Before Fire Found No Violations
Documents reviewed by the MCD in a scrutiny exercise completed on June 2, a day before the fire, reportedly did not flag any violations. The exercise followed January directions to verify health trade licences after a fire incident in Goa. “The licence was among nearly 700 instant licences identified for scrutiny in the South Zone. No violations were recorded during document verification and field inspection,” an official said.
Officials also revealed that the property was running around 25 rooms against permission for only six under the bed-and-breakfast scheme. It allegedly lacked a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a sanctioned building plan. The structure falls in a Lal Dora area, where enforcement has traditionally been limited.
Mayor Responds to Allegations of Lapses
Responding to allegations of lapses, Mayor Pravesh Wahi said responsibility cannot be fixed on any single agency while investigations are ongoing. “If any individual is found responsible, strict action will be taken. There appears to have been a coordination lapse, and that must be corrected,” he said.
MCD Demolishes 82 Properties, Seals 43 Across Delhi
Meanwhile, the MCD reported that it has demolished 82 properties and sealed 43 across Delhi since June 1. In South Delhi, 12 properties were demolished and 14 sealed for building bylaw violations. A joint survey identified more than 12 bed-and-breakfast guest houses in Hauz Rani, 32 properties in Said-ul-Ajaib, and nine in Khirki Extension operating in violation of norms.
On Friday, five guest houses in Hauz Rani were sealed, with further demolition and sealing drives planned in the coming days as part of a wider crackdown on unauthorised construction and misuse of properties.
