The Delhi BJP has demanded immediate action from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to demolish the fifth and sixth floors of illegally constructed buildings across the city.
The party’s call is in response to a growing number of unsafe buildings, particularly in areas where such construction is rampant despite regulations prohibiting it. BJP officials have urged the MCD to create a dedicated ‘Dangerous Buildings Department’ to identify and remove these risky structures promptly, safeguarding citizens from potential disasters. According to officials in the MCD, only buildings with up to three floors, including the ground floor, are legally permitted under Delhi’s construction norms. However, in numerous areas, especially those in Muslim-majority parts of the city, the construction of additional floors beyond the permissible limits has become alarmingly common. Over the years, this has led to a proliferation of dangerous structures that often lack the necessary safety measures. The illegal addition of fifth and sixth floors, despite the lapse of the Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), has contributed to the deterioration of building integrity, putting lives at risk.
The building collapse in Mustafabad, which brought the issue to a head, is just one example of the consequences of unregulated construction. The collapse occurred in an area where illegal construction practices have thrived for years, with officials attributing much of the unchecked growth to political influence and weak enforcement of regulations. In response, the BJP has accused leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of turning a blind eye to these violations and protecting individuals engaged in illegal construction activities. Experts in urban development have long warned about the risks posed by unauthorized floors, especially as these structures age beyond their designed lifespan. While the buildings in question are meant to last for only 12 years, including the two years of mandatory maintenance, many of these properties have been allowed to continue operating for as long as 15 years. Such extensions, often granted after superficial inspections, increase the likelihood of accidents and structural failures. A senior official involved in urban planning pointed out that buildings in such conditions are prone to frequent breakdowns and fires, particularly with the onset of hot summer months, which further elevates the danger to residents.
The situation is compounded by the fact that these illegal floors have been constructed in defiance of strict MCD guidelines. In many cases, local councillors and other political figures have been accused of shielding construction activities in return for support from residents. As a result, areas such as those around Mustafabad, where the most recent tragedy occurred, have seen rampant illegal construction under the protection of political influence. In 2015, when the MCD first attempted to regulate these illegal constructions, there was significant resistance from local political leaders, who rallied residents against the authorities. Such resistance, the BJP claims, continues to hinder any meaningful action to rectify the situation. BJP representatives argue that only stringent and decisive measures will prevent more deaths and ensure the safety of residents living in these dilapidated structures.
To address this issue, the Delhi BJP has proposed that the MCD not only demolish the fifth and sixth floors of such buildings but also halt the sale and registration of properties with additional illegal floors. This would, in theory, discourage further illegal constructions and bring the situation under control. Furthermore, the party is calling for the establishment of a specialized ‘Dangerous Buildings Department’ within the MCD, tasked with conducting thorough inspections and taking swift action against unsafe buildings. Officials within the MCD have acknowledged the gravity of the situation and are reportedly considering these recommendations. However, the challenge remains how to balance the urgent need for action with the legal and logistical complexities of dismantling thousands of illegally constructed floors across the city. Moreover, officials have pointed out that demolishing these floors is a time-consuming process, and it will take several months to address the issue fully.
To mitigate the growing concerns over illegal construction, the MCD has also been working on improving its building inspection and approval processes. In the coming months, the authorities plan to introduce more stringent checks on new construction projects and provide better training to inspectors to prevent the recurrence of such violations. The MCD has also committed to increasing public awareness about the dangers of illegal construction and the importance of adhering to building codes. In the meantime, the BJP’s call for immediate demolition of unsafe floors highlights the pressing need for stronger enforcement and accountability in the city’s urban planning processes. As Delhi continues to grow and evolve, the challenge of ensuring safe, sustainable, and equitable urban living remains a critical concern for all stakeholders involved in the city’s governance and development
Delhi BJP Calls for Demolition of Unsafe 5th and 6th Floors
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