The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) remains engaged in its annual survey aimed at identifying and safeguarding against unsafe buildings prone to collapse or structural damage, especially with the monsoon season looming. According to recent updates, the civic body has completed inspections on 80% of the targeted 2,884,164 properties across the city, revealing only a handful of structures deemed hazardous.
As per an internal report reviewed by sources, MCD officials have identified just four buildings as “dangerous” this year, with an additional five categorized as “poor but repairable.” The findings highlight a concentrated risk in certain areas, particularly in Shahdara South, where all identified hazardous structures were concentrated.
“The ongoing survey, crucial for public safety, has identified significant issues primarily in Kalyanpuri, East Delhi, underscoring the need for proactive measures,” disclosed a senior MCD official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Among the areas surveyed, Shahdara North, Najafgarh, and Central Zone report completion rates below 70%, suggesting ongoing challenges in completing the comprehensive assessment within designated timelines. Notably, progress varies significantly across zones, with the West Zone nearing full completion at 95.64%, contrasting with Central Zone’s 62.4% completion rate.
MCD’s protocol mandates issuing notices under sections 348 and 349 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act to owners of identified unsafe structures, granting a week for necessary repairs or demolition. However, officials acknowledge limitations in visual surveys, often failing to detect underlying structural vulnerabilities such as weakened walls or compromised balconies.
“The current approach heavily relies on visual inspections, which inherently have limitations, especially in assessing structural integrity comprehensively,” remarked another civic official involved in the survey process.
Moreover, compliance with structural safety audits for buildings older than 20 years remains a pressing concern, with minimal adherence noted despite legal mandates. Efforts to enforce stricter compliance measures are underway amidst ongoing legal challenges in the Delhi High Court, reflecting broader challenges in urban planning and development oversight.
Looking ahead, MCD underscores the importance of enhancing survey methodologies and regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks associated with urban decay and unplanned development. The ongoing efforts seek to not only ensure public safety but also reinforce Delhi’s infrastructure resilience in the face of environmental challenges like the monsoon season.
