MCD demolishes 94 properties, seals 114 in Delhi after hotel fire kills 21

Delhi: Since June 1, the MCD has demolished 94 properties and sealed 114 others across the city as part of its drive against unauthorised constructions, officials said on Sunday.

This action follows the fire that killed 21 people in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.

Officials said the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has demolished 12 properties and sealed 79 others, while enforcement teams carried out operations across multiple zones with the assistance of Delhi Police.

“The corporation has intensified strict and coordinated demolition and sealing action against properties operating in violation of building bylaws across all zones in Delhi,” the MCD said in a statement, adding that it acted on the directions of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and chief minister Rekha Gupta.

In the South Zone, the civic body carried out three demolitions and 18 sealing actions in Said-ul-Azaib, Hauz Rani, Khirki Extension, Savitri Nagar, Khanpur and Gautam Nagar.

Since June 1, the civic body has undertaken 41 demolition and sealing actions in these localities.

The crackdown comes days after a devastating fire at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast in Hauz Rani, raising concerns over illegal commercial operations and fire safety violations in the area.

According to the statement, many targeted properties were carrying out unauthorised construction or were misused as bed-and-breakfast establishments and commercial facilities without adhering to prescribed regulations or safety norms.

“Such stringent actions convey a special message to unscrupulous owners and builders: Any unauthorised construction, illegal use, or failure to follow safety regulations will result in severe legal consequences, including demolition and sealing actions,” the statement read.

The MCD also stated it issued 158 notices since June 1, including for unauthorised construction, sealing, and demolition orders, against properties violating building bylaws or misusing premises.

The corporation said it is conducting a citywide survey to identify illegal commercial and residential properties violating building regulations and warned prospective buyers to verify the legal status of properties before purchasing them.

The civic body said it would continue strict enforcement to ensure compliance with the Master Plan, unified building bylaws and the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, while emphasising that the objective is to improve public safety following the recent tragedies linked to building violations.