‘Target, dismantle’ unauthorised constructions in Delhi: LG Sandhu to MCD

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday directed MCD officials to come up with a plan to “target, halt and dismantle” unauthorised constructions in the city, Lok Niwas officials said.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Sandhu emphasised on a comprehensive action plan for stronger urban governance, improved civic infrastructure and enhanced structural safety across the capital.

“The LG emphasised on executing a comprehensive action plan to target, halt, and dismantle unauthorized constructions. He asked for a regulatory framework that ensures strict enforcement of building bylaws, penalizing illegal constructions, expansions and fixes absolute institutional accountability across all municipal zones,” an official said.

Delhi LG also directed for “strict enforcement” of building bylaws to curb illegal structural expansions and directed the MCD to implement a time-bound strategy to tackle unauthorised constructions decisively.

The directions come in the wake of a major fire tragedy in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday that claimed 21 lives and rendered 25 other, including foreigners, injured.

“The MCD will initiate a high-intensity, time-bound strategy mandating the complete detection and sealing or demolition of all ongoing and existing unauthorized constructions within a strict timeframe,” the official added.

Sandhu has also given directions to come up with a stringent action plan to identify, process, and curb illegal residential and commercial vertical expansions that violate approved building blueprints or standard safety codes.

“Local engineers, technical staff, and municipal oversight officers will be directly held accountable for any undetected illegal modifications or ongoing unauthorized construction within their respective jurisdictions,” the official said.

The LG also reviewed other infrastructure issues, including desilting of storm-water drains ahead of the monsoon, road and pavement repairs for dust mitigation work and intensified garbage clearance to strengthen sanitation standards.