Malviya Nagar fire: MCD wakes up after 21 deaths, 82 illegal constructions demolished, 43 properties sealed

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has come into action after the tragic death of 21 people due to a massive fire in a guest house located in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. MCD has started large-scale action against illegal construction, violation of building bye-laws and commercial activities being conducted against the rules in the capital. The corporation has demolished 82 illegal properties since June 1, while 43 properties have been sealed.

According to MCD officials, this campaign is being run on the instructions of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Joint action was taken in all zones in collaboration with Delhi Police, in which illegal constructions were bulldozed and properties violating building norms were sealed.

After the Malviya Nagar fire, the administration has especially focused on those areas where residential buildings are being used commercially or guest houses, PGs and other commercial activities are being operated without permission. During the investigation it also came to light that there were serious violations of fire safety standards and building bye-laws in many buildings.

The southern zone remained the most targeted during the operation. Here 12 illegal constructions were demolished and 14 properties were sealed. Apart from this, demolition action was taken against 7 illegal constructions in Civil Lines Zone and 8 in Narela Zone.

MCD also conducted a special survey in Hauz Rani, Saidulajab and Khirki Extension areas of South Delhi. During this period, a large number of properties were identified which were violating building bye-laws and master plan rules. More than 12 such Bed and Breakfast (B&B) guest houses were found in Hauz Rani which were operating contrary to the prescribed rules.

In a special operation conducted on Friday, five guest houses named Green Residency, Sky Inn, Flourish Inn, Venue Inn and Mikasa Inn located in Hauz Rani were sealed. One property in Khirki Extension was sealed after demolition, while sealing and demolition action was taken against eight properties in Saidulajab area.

MCD has indicated that this campaign will be further intensified. According to the corporation, action will also be taken soon against 32 properties of Saidulajab and 9 other properties of Khirki Extension. Apart from this, action has also been taken in cases of violation of rules in Savitri Nagar, Sainik Farm, Khanpur and Gautam Nagar areas.

The Municipal Corporation said that so far more than 150 notices, sealing notices and demolition orders have been issued across the capital. MCD says that to prevent recurrence of tragedies like Malviya Nagar, strict campaign will continue against illegal constructions, violation of building rules and those ignoring fire safety standards.