The collapse of a four-storey constructing in Mustafabad that left 11 lifeless on Saturday has once more shone the highlight on the shortage of structural security in mushrooming multi-storey buildings in Delhi’s unauthorised colonies. A scarcity of adherence to security codes, lax enforcement and safety underneath particular legal guidelines are the important thing issues, consultants stated.
The location of the constructing collapse. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photograph)
Specialists and stakeholders identified that the Nationwide Capital Territory of Delhi Legal guidelines (Particular Provisions) was initially introduced in 2006 for only a yr to guard unauthorised colonies from punitive sealing and demolition. Nevertheless, it has since seen a number of extensions by means of ordinances and legal guidelines enacted infrequently — the most recent of which protects buildings constructed earlier than 2014 until December 2026. In the meantime, the method to regularise these localities has largely remained on paper.
Jagdish Mamgain, former works committee chairman (2010-12) in unified MCD and an skilled in city planning, stated: “It (the law) was initially just meant for one year but over the 19 years, these colonies, their buildings have grown manifold. No building plans are sanctioned in these areas and even the bare minimum safety norms are not followed. What has been its impact? The same old structures with poor foundations have been laden with more and more floors making the structures even weaker”.
A senior Municipal Company of Delhi (MCD) official, on situation of anonymity, stated that after a construction or addition is accomplished, it’s tough to show whether or not it was made earlier than 2014 or after it. “The loophole leaves scope for corruption among local officials, police and builders. A permanent solution towards regularisation is needed,” the official stated.
The official stated that based on the grasp plan projections, the town wants so as to add 100,000 dwelling models yearly to fulfill the demand. “On average, municipal corporations have been passing around 5,000 to 6,000 building plans every year. Even if we consider two dwelling units in each of these, almost 3/4th of the demand is being met by illegal houses being built in violation of rules,” the official stated.
Former MCD commissioner KS Mehra stated that the protection norms in unauthorised colonies are virtually non-existent and emphasised the necessity for a mechanism to make sure human security. “Delhi faces a demand-supply issue of housing for poor. This ends up in massive growth of illegal structures. In 1962, the first master plan came and within next 10 years, we saw massive growth of buildings where provisions were not being followed. Over 75% of construction in these areas is not as per MPD and building bylaws. Decision is required to regularise these areas and ensure at least minimum safety,” he stated.
A second MCD official stated that the town has seen large-scale building of unlawful properties past the cutoff date of June 2014. “We have more than 80,000 properties which have been booked for such illegal construction beyond the cut-off date. The real number of actual construction would be much higher. We need a new policy solution for this problem,” he stated.
AK Jain, former DDA commissioner (planning), stated: “If a building safety is compromised, MCD can always intervene to save human lives.” Jain stated that authorities should now give attention to a regularisation plan which contains provisions of security.