NEW DELHI: Another building collapse in the national capital has claimed two more lives, but MCD remains unresponsive. In the past 15 days alone, similar incidents have resulted in over 10 deaths. The number of building collapses continues to rise, amidst the delays in completing the pre-monsoon survey. This situation underscores the urgent need for action, as the incomplete survey may be exacerbating the frequency of these incidents. Additionally, thousands of deteriorating houses across Delhi present significant maintenance risks, with many still occupied by people.
Over the past month, Delhi has witnessed a series of tragic incidents. In one case, a man and a woman lost their lives when the roof of a dilapidated house in Prem Nagar, Ward 38, collapsed due to MCD’s negligence. Similarly, on August 2, a school wall in Daryaganj collapsed, damaging several parked vehicles. On the same day, a two-story building in Jahangirpuri collapsed, killing three people. Earlier, on July 31, heavy rains caused a building collapse in North Delhi’s Sabzi Mandi area, claiming one life. The following day, another building collapsed in the same area. On that same day, three people were injured in two separate building collapses—one in Defence Colony and two in Shastri Park. These incidents, occurring almost weekly, highlight the ongoing danger posed by unstable buildings, yet MCD remains indifferent, as if nothing has happened. Incidents like this in the national capital highlight the total failure of the civic organisations responsible for managing Delhi. The civic body has also failed to make adequate preparations before the onset of the monsoon, leading to widespread waterlogging across the National Capital.
Despite concerns over such incidents and criticism for the lack of monsoon preparedness, the corporation continues to delay the survey of unsafe buildings in the city, having already deferred the deadline once.
When questioned about the survey’s progress, the civic body stated that 67 dangerous buildings have been identified so far, but the survey will require more time to be fully completed. However, when asked how many houses had been inspected to date, officials declined to comment.
MCD’s Building Department is responsible for conducting an annual pre-monsoon survey in which the corporation’s junior engineers identify buildings in deteriorated condition. Notices are issued to the owners of these buildings, instructing them to carry out necessary repairs. If the repairs are not completed within a given timeframe, MCD has the authority to proceed with demolitions. The survey begins each year in April and is meant to be completed by June. This year, the initial deadline for releasing the findings was set for June 14, but was later extended to July 15. As of July 4, the civic body had only completed the survey of the South Zone, identifying four dangerous buildings.
Raja Iqbal Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the MCD, has criticised the AAP-led MCD for the deaths resulting from recent building collapses. Singh said, “There’s nothing to expect from this Aam Aadmi Party government, as they seem indifferent to the welfare of ordinary citizens.” He also called on Mayor Dr Shelly Oberoi to provide a timeline for when the survey of dangerous buildings will be completed and when the dedicated Dangerous Building Department will be re-established. Singh insisted that the Delhi Municipal Corporation must promptly compensate the families of the victims.
Delhi BJP Spokesperson and Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that the municipal corporation’s decision to close the Dangerous Building Department and transfer its responsibilities to the maintenance department has led to greater negligence and a rise in accidents. He also pointed out significant corruption within the maintenance department, which discourages people from seeking assistance. Kapoor added that due to these issues, Delhi BJP unit has once again urged the municipal commissioner to conduct a thorough survey of Old Delhi within a week and take action against hazardous buildings.