Delhi Saidulajab Building That Collapsed Near Saket Metro Had Two New Floors Added Recently Mcd Report

An official Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) report of the building collapse at Saidulajab which claimed six lives, released on Tuesday, stated that the building had been first constructed 13 years ago, but the third- and fourth-floors were added recently.... An official Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) report of the building collapse at Saidulajab which claimed six lives, released on Tuesday, stated that the building had been first constructed 13 years ago, but the third- and fourth-floors were added recently. In context of all constructions in unauthorised colonies deemed illegal from June 2014 onwards, this could mean that the two floors, in addition to the fifth- and sixth-floor that collapsed, were also illegal. Meanwhile, MCD said it would step up action against illegal construction in the area after a survey of the locality has found that 81 properties in the neighbourhood that have been booked for illegal constructions. However, preliminary action had been initiated only 39 cases, according to a senior MCD official aware of the matter. For the remaining 42 identified cases, a senior MCD second official said that a sealing and demolition drive will be launched from Wednesday. “This will involve evictions, sealing properties where such action is deemed necessary, and demolishing structures where demolition is required,” the official cited above said. Also read: Hauz khas and others: Water shortage turns into contamination crisis in parts of Delhi Furthermore, the 39 properties where action has been taken will be checked. “If seals are found to be tampered, FIR will be filed against the owners,” the official added. The MCD report released on Tuesday, meanwhile, confirmed that the building is not among the 1,511 colonies that were identified for regularisation earlier this year – a fact HT had reported on Tuesday. To be sure, the report did not clarify whether it is on the list of exclusions; in this case, the 69 colonies classified as “affluent”. A senior municipal official, who also asked not to be identified, said that the lane close to the collapse site is clearly under the “affluent” colony category, but the status of the precise site which the tragedy occurred remains unclear. Also read: Delhi airport's third runway may remain shut till September amid efforts to enhance aircraft-handling capacity The building, located at Khasra No. 262, Gali No. 5, Western Marg, comprised a basement and a ground, first, and second that had been built around 12-13 years ago. No exact date was available for when the third and fourth floors were built. The collapsed property covered an area of approximately 300 square metres, the report said. To be sure, as per a central government law, the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, all constructions in unauthorised colonies from June 2014 are deemed illegal, but those before that cut-off date are protected. The law came into effect in 2006 and it was initially meant to on effect till May 2007. It has seen a series of extensions last of which came