Delhi CM directs MCD to use bulldozers against illegal construction after Satya Niketan building collapse

New Delhi , September 9 (ANI): In a major crackdown by the Delhi government following the Satya Niketan building collapse that claimed seven lives, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take strict action against illegal construction, including the use of bulldozers against illegal structures.

The Chief Minister has ordered strict and comprehensive action following the Satya Niketan building collapse incident. 

The Chief Minister directed the MCD to carry out demolition action in several areas of Delhi and instructed all senior municipal corporation officials to remain present on the ground during the exercise, as per the CMO.

Gupta also directed officials to conduct intensive inspections of all paying guest (PG) hostels across Delhi and take action against illegal construction found on the premises. "Conduct intensive inspections of all PG hostels in Delhi and take action against illegal construction," the Chief Minister said.

She further instructed officials to scrutinise building records to establish when the illegal construction took place and determine under whose jurisdiction it was carried out. "Scrutinise building records—determine exactly when the illegal construction took place and under whose jurisdiction," Gupta said in her directive.

In a post on X, Delhi CMO wrote, "On the instructions of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, MCD has been directed to demolish the dilapidated building adjoining the accident site in the interest of public safety. The belongings of students inside the building are being safely removed by Delhi Fire Service personnel in a systematic manner. All students and local residents are requested to cooperate with the authorities."

According to the police, the investigation revealed that the building was undergoing significant repair work at the time of the incident. Mahesh stated that the basement floor was being repaired due to waste accumulation during the rainy season over the past 8 to 10 days. Additionally, the ground floor was being renovated for a commercial extension.

Mahesh further revealed that on the day of the collapse, the family learned about the tragedy from locals. Fearing legal action, they fled their residence and sought refuge at his in-laws' house in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.

On Monday, property owner Urmila Gupta (75), her husband Hariram Gupta (81) and their son Mahesh Gupta (52) were arrested by police in connection with the five-storey building collapse in South Campus's Satya Niketan on Sunday, which claimed the lives of seven persons and injured several others.

The Delhi Police is continuing its investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse and the role of those associated with the building’s ownership, maintenance, repair work and PG operations. (ANI)