Delhi. Two people were killed and several others injured after a three-storey building under construction collapsed in Old Delhi's Chawdi Bazaar area. After the accident, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) took major action and suspended an Assistant Engineer (AE) and a Junior Engineer (JE) with immediate effect. At the same time, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered an investigation into the incident and has given instructions to register an FIR against the concerned contractor.
The accident occurred at around 9:50 am on Thursday in Gali Sitara/Shahtara near Chawri Bazar metro station. The building under construction suddenly collapsed and many people were feared buried under the debris. As soon as the information was received, teams of Delhi Fire Service, Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached the spot and started the rescue operation. Fire fighters pulled out two bodies from the debris. At the same time, before the teams arrived, the local people had taken four injured people to the hospital.
According to the police, the deceased have not been identified yet. Different official information has come out regarding the number of injured in the accident. The Chief Minister's statement said that five people were injured, whereas initial information mentioned four injured. The rescue operation continued due to the fear of other people being trapped under the debris.
Fear of negligence in construction, work was stopped 15 days ago
According to a senior MCD official, the area of the plot on which the building was being constructed was about 50 square meters. No approved plan was taken for the construction of the building. The official said that the construction work was going on, but it was stopped about 15 days ago. At the time of the accident, the workers were working to remove the supports installed under the roof. According to preliminary information, the materials used in construction did not conform to engineering standards and were not frozen properly. This is being considered as a possible reason for the building collapse. However, the real reasons for the accident will be known only after the investigation is completed.
Instructions for strict action on negligence
The Deputy Commissioner of Old Delhi Zone issued separate office orders and suspended the concerned AE and JE. The orders mention a prima facie case of serious negligence in the discharge of duties. Both officers have been suspended pending further investigation. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the spot along with senior officials. He said that any officer ignoring security standards will not be spared.
According to the Chief Minister, the Municipal Corporation has suspended its JE and AE and an FIR has also been registered against the contractor who constructed the building. He directed that better treatment should be provided to the injured and immediate ex-gratia should be given to the affected families. The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to follow safety rules during construction work. He clarified that action will be taken against those whose names will appear in the FIR.
Preparation to bring new norms for construction in heritage areas
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, who accompanied the Chief Minister to the spot, said the government is planning to implement new norms for construction work in the heritage areas of Old Delhi. He said that it is important to pay special attention to safety rules during construction in such areas.