MCD Demolishes 46 Buildings in Delhi After Recurring Accidents

New Delhi: Following a series of building-related accidents in Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified inspections across its 12 zones. As part of the drive, 46 buildings found to be in violation of construction norms were demolished. Eleven buildings were sealed, while demolition orders were issued for 12 others. Major action was taken in Kardampuri in Shahdara, Prasadi Mohalla and Usmanpur in the North-East Zone, and Shastri Park, Swaroop Nagar and Rani Bagh in the East Zone. The enforcement drive comes amid growing concerns over building safety and unauthorised construction in the capital. The MCD has been conducting inspections across all 12 zones following the recent building collapse in Satya Niketan. On September 6, a paying guest building in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University's South Campus, collapsed, killing seven people. The Delhi High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation concerning student safety, observed that the incident was the result of "callous and criminal conduct". The court made the observation while hearing a PIL related to the collapse. A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia also took note of concerns surrounding the safety of student accommodation in Delhi. The recent enforcement action has also intensified scrutiny of construction permits, structural safety, ageing buildings and unauthorised construction in the capital. The MCD's wider drive has targeted dangerous buildings, unauthorised structures and violations of the Master Plan of Delhi and building bye-laws. The action has come under political criticism, with allegations that the administration has failed to adequately enforce building safety regulations and prevent recurring accidents. Critics have also linked the issue to the record of the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which assumed office earlier this year.