The redevelopment of Signature View Apartments in north Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar is expected to face further delays as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) awaits clearance from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to begin demolition. The residential complex, constructed by DDA, was declared structurally unsafe in 2023, leading to plans for its razing and redevelopment.
CBI Investigation Holds Up Demolition
The CBI is investigating allegations of irregularities and corruption in the construction of these towers and has asked DDA to pause demolition until evidence is collected from the site. A senior DDA official stated that the authority recently wrote to the agency again seeking permission to initiate the razing. The CBI has engaged Delhi Technological University (DTU) to collect samples and examine the quality of construction materials used in the project. The process is underway and expected to be completed in a few weeks. The official added that since this is part of an ongoing investigation, DDA does not want to intervene or push for expediting it. Once clearance is received, demolition will begin.
Legal and Administrative Hurdles
While the apartments have been fully vacated, DDA is also awaiting a decision from the Delhi High Court regarding the increased floor area ratio (FAR) sought by residents. The next hearing is scheduled for May. Last year, the CBI registered an FIR against 28 retired DDA officials and private contractors on charges of criminal conspiracy, corruption, and use of substandard materials in construction. Separately, former Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena directed a vigilance department inquiry and initiation of criminal proceedings against the accused officials.
Residents Eager for Redevelopment
Residents, who have shifted to rented accommodations, expressed eagerness for demolition to begin so that redevelopment can start. Amanendra Kumar Rakesh, president of the Signature View Residents Welfare Association, said, We may be living elsewhere, but returning home is always on our minds.
Background of the Complex
Constructed between 2007 and 2010 and allotted in 2011-12, the apartments began showing structural distress within a few years. A structural audit conducted by IIT-Delhi in 2021-22 recommended immediate evacuation and dismantling of the complex. DDA decided to adopt a conventional floor-by-floor demolition method instead of implosion, citing the poor structural condition of the buildings. Experts noted that drilling into weak walls to insert explosives could be unsafe. An official said, Given the dense population of the adjoining areas, manual demolition is the safer option.
On October 13, 2025, a joint team of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and DDA disconnected water and power supplies to the apartments after the evacuation deadline set by the Supreme Court on October 12 passed.
