Delhi’s civic body has suspended five South Zone officials, including a deputy commissioner, less than a day after seven people died in the Satya Niketan building collapse.
Five MCD Officials Suspended
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) took action on Monday following the collapse of a building housing a paying guest facility in the congested Satya Niketan area.
The suspended officials include South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer Ranvir Singh and Executive Engineer (Building) Lalit Kumar Goel.
Assistant Engineer Sunil Chauhan and Junior Engineer Ashish Kumar have also been suspended.
According to the suspension order, the officials will remain suspended with immediate effect while disciplinary proceedings continue. They will receive subsistence allowance according to applicable rules.
MCD Warns Against Illegal Construction
MCD commissioner Sanjiv Khirwar told Hindustan Times that the civic body has “zero tolerance” for unauthorised construction.
He also said the building department would face accountability when such incidents involve illegal construction. The Satya Niketan building collapse has put renewed attention on construction activity in densely populated areas.
Officials said ongoing construction work in the building’s basement may have weakened its structure and eventually triggered the collapse.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, and rescue teams continued searching for missing people on the second day. Many of those affected were reportedly students staying at the PG accommodation.
Delhi Orders Sealing Of Illegal Structures
The Delhi government has also ordered authorities to immediately seal illegal structures with four or more floors.
The move comes as agencies continue rescue and assessment work at the site. Officials are also examining the circumstances surrounding the Satya Niketan building collapse and whether construction violations contributed to the disaster.
The MCD’s action against five officials signals increased scrutiny of building permissions, inspections and enforcement in the capital.
The incident has also renewed concerns over unauthorised construction in congested residential colonies, where structural changes can pose serious risks to residents.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the Satya Niketan building collapse?
A: A building housing a PG facility collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, killing at least seven people and triggering a major rescue operation.
Q: How many officials were suspended after the Satya Niketan building collapse?
A: The MCD suspended five officials from its South Zone, including a deputy commissioner and several engineering officials.
Q: Why were MCD officials suspended after the Satya Niketan building collapse?
A: The officials face disciplinary proceedings as authorities investigate construction-related issues surrounding the collapse.
Q: What action has Delhi taken against illegal buildings?
A: The Delhi government has ordered the immediate sealing of illegal structures with four or more floors.