The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ordered the immediate sealing of all illegal constructions exceeding four floors in the city following the collapse of a five-storey building in Satya Niketan that left six people dead and several others injured.
The civic body has also warned of strict action against officials found responsible for failing to detect or prevent unauthorised construction. “All illegal constructions with more than four floors will be immediately sealed, and strict action will be taken against the guilty officials, leading to their immediate dismissal,” the MCD said.
“These orders will be implemented with immediate effect,” it added.
Building had basement, four floors
The collapsed property, identified as P-14 Satya Niketan, stood on a plot of around 55 square yards and had a basement along with the ground and four upper floors, according to an MCD report. The structure was reportedly built in the 1990s and was being used as paying-guest accommodation.
The civic report found no record of any previous booking or sealing action against the property and said no complaints regarding construction work had been received. A senior MCD official said there was also no sanctioned building plan for the structure, while changes made in the basement were unauthorised.
“Permission for changes in basement of a standing structure cannot be granted. It is hazardous. It is the failure of the field staff to detect the activity,” the official said.
Fifth floor and construction activity under scrutiny
Officials have also raised questions over the addition of a fifth floor, which was not allowed under Floor Area Ratio (FAR) regulations. The circumstances surrounding the construction and renovation work at the property are now part of the investigation.
Police have registered an FIR against owner Hariram Bansal and others. Investigators are looking into whether structural alterations or other construction-related violations contributed to the collapse. The exact cause has not yet been established.
Six deaths reported
The AIIMS JPN Apex Trauma Centre received 10 patients after the collapse. Five were brought dead, while another patient later died during treatment. Three patients remain admitted, while one person underwent limb surgery. Another patient with minor injuries was discharged following observation.
Satya Niketan, developed as one of Delhi's resettlement colonies in the 1970s, gradually became a major student accommodation area because of its proximity to Delhi University's South Campus. Civic officials said rising demand for accommodation has led property owners to add rooms and floors to existing structures over time.