Govt, MCD crack down on illegal buildings

New Delhi: Days after the Hauz Rani fire tragedy, action has been initiated by Delhi govt against 124 properties identified for regulatory gaps, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi 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.According to the chief minister’s office, govt has directed Delhi Development Authority to intensify its special anti-encroachment campaign and could also blacklist architects found facilitating unauthorised constructions.The crackdown is part of Delhi govt’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 said the objective was 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-wise inspections on Saturday revealed widespread irregularities. Notices were issued following inspections in North, East, West, South West and Central districts. In South district, 11 premises were sealed and 19 were issued show-cause notices. Three unauthorised buildings were demolished in 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, Delhi govt 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.Govt 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,” CM said.CM has also asked officials to develop a digital tracking system to record the entire timeline of fire emergencies.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 the 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.