A six-storey building constructed on a 22-square-yard plot has tilted towards neighbouring houses in East Delhi’s Sunder Nagri, prompting the Municipal Corporation to evacuate the structure and order a structural inspection before possible demolition.
The building developed visible cracks and began leaning to one side, raising concerns about the safety of nearby homes. The Municipal Corporation has prohibited anyone from staying inside the building and directed the owner to take immediate action.
According to the executive engineer of the corporation’s North-East Zone, officials received information about cracks and the building’s tilt. A junior engineer visited the site, but the building was found locked during the inspection. An external examination showed that the structure was leaning towards adjoining houses.
Following the inspection, the corporation directed the owner to vacate the building immediately. The owner has also been asked to arrange a structural assessment through an engineer and submit the inspection report and documents related to the action at the corporation office.
The corporation has said that if the building is found to be beyond repair, it will have to be demolished at the owner’s expense. The instructions also state that the building must not be occupied while the safety assessment and further action are pending.
The municipal directions place responsibility for any incident arising from non-compliance on the building owner. The order comes as the structure’s tilt towards nearby houses has increased the risk to properties and residents in the densely built neighbourhood.
Local councillor Mohini Jeenwal said the building had been vacated as a precaution. She added that officials had directed that the structure be inspected and demolished if required.
The immediate next step is the structural assessment commissioned by the owner. Its findings will determine whether the building can be repaired or must be brought down under municipal directions. Until that process is completed, the corporation has ordered that no one remain inside the building.
