MCD Plans PG Survey After Deadly Delhi Building Collapse
Following a building collapse that killed seven in Satya Niketan, Delhi's civic body plans a survey of paying guest accommodations and has intensified
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) plans a massive survey of paying guest accommodations following a deadly building collapse. At least seven people, including five students, died when a five-storey PG building fell in the Satya Niketan area on Sunday.
In a separate action, the civic body carried out a large-scale demolition drive targeting unsafe and unauthorized buildings on Tuesday. The drive resulted in 35 demolitions across 12 MCD zones. The MCD also suspended five officials, including a deputy commissioner, in connection with the tragedy.
Demolition Drive Details
The Tuesday demolition operation targeted structures across multiple zones. Officials cited actions in Najafgarh and against a four-storey building in Shahdara North.
| Zone | Number of Demolitions |
|---|---|
| Rohini | 6 |
| Narela | 3 |
| Civil Lines | 3 |
| Shahdara North | 6 |
In addition to the demolitions, authorities carried out nine sealing actions. These included sealing two large godowns in Karol Bagh and one hotel in the West Zone. The MCD stated it intends to further intensify action against unauthorized construction, property misuse, and dangerous buildings.
Legal Hurdles to Action
Officials face significant legal challenges in acting against unsafe structures. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act provides protection from punitive action for unauthorized development until December 31, 2026. According to MCD officials, this protection covers unauthorized construction, property misuse, and encroachments. Punitive action in this context includes demolition, sealing, or vacating premises.
Wider Crackdown on Unauthorized Construction
The Satya Niketan collapse occurred amid a broader MCD crackdown. This follows other recent incidents in the Saket and Malviya Nagar areas.
Between June 1 and September 3, the civic body's actions have been extensive. It carried out demolitions at 983 properties and sealed 464 others. The MCD also issued 1,516 show-cause notices for unauthorized construction and 708 sealing show-cause notices, while issuing 726 demolition orders.
Residential Survey Findings
The MCD has also completed a three-month survey of residential areas to identify commercial misuse. Officials surveyed approximately 300,000 properties across 404 colonies and 168 wards.
The survey identified more than 8,000 cases of commercial activity in residential areas. The civic body is initiating action against activities deemed impermissible under Delhi's Master Plan. Around 30 to 40 properties have already been sealed, with action against several others in progress.
