Vibha Sharma
On Sept 11, MCD demolished structures at 25 places across 12 zones. In addition, four properties were sealed, 6 show-cause notices were issued and 4 demolition orders were passed against properties that were violating planning and building norms. “Only civil engineers, who may not have detailed knowledge of building structures, conduct these so-called surveys, often as a formality due to staff limitations. Because govt has so far failed to take a decision on properties covered under the Special Protection Act, 2014, “Delhi has a major problem of illegal construction and this illegal construction is increasing day by day. The key question, therefore, is whether these surveys are actually helping avert collapses. It is also important to check corruption, as many illegal colonies continue to expand due to corruption,” the expert said.
He said unlike DDA and NDMC, the civic body does not have its own adequate pool of structural engineers and architects to participate in the detection of unsafe buildings. When incidents such as the one in Satya Niketan or Said-ul-Ajaib occur, suddenly the entire workforce is diverted to the exercise until the issue loses public attention or is taken up by a court,” he said. Former MCD commissioner KS Mehra said that structural engineers empanelled with the civic body can be brought in for the pre-monsoon survey and they can be paid accordingly. At least start regularising these properties and then take action against construction afterwards,” he said. An expert on the condition of anonymity said that buildings can become unsafe when additional floors are added over the years or structural alterations are carried out without strengthening the original foundation.
New Delhi: While MCD accelerates surveys of dangerous and unauthorised buildings every time a building collapse occurs and manages to cover hundreds of properties within three to four days after a court intervenes, questions remain over why the same urgency is not maintained as a routine exercise. The recurring incidents also make one wonder about the effectiveness of these surveys. If dangerous or vulnerable buildings continue to emerge even after inspections, experts say the focus needs to go beyond merely identifying structures and should include timely corrective action. Jagdish Mamgain, former chaitman of the MCD works committee, pointed to the shortage of structural expertise in MCD. “Even then, action is often taken on a pick-and-choose basis or limited to selective areas. In the case of PGs, for instance, areas in north and south Delhi are being covered,” Mamgain added. They have expertise to identify lapses which civil engineers can’t see. The exercise should be done seriously with the coordination of residents as it will help avert such incidents. Also, it is important that the building by-laws should be followed in letter and spirit. Experts added that govt needs to clarify its approach towards unauthorised construction. “This is what is happening in Delhi and thus such incidents are bound to happen. In such cases, timely and genuine intervention by the building department can definitely avert a mishap. Major demolition actions were carried out at Satya Niketan in south Zone, Vasant Kunj in the south west zone, Burari in the north, Shalimar Bagh in the Keshavpuram zone and several other areas. Survey of PG Buildings Across Delhi
“Earlier, we were getting the survey done through their help only.
So far, approximately 1,523 buildings where PGs operate have been identified. These house at least 33,500 people. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
MCD will take necessary action according to building rules. Download the TOI App.