Delhi MCD crackdown: 82 demolitions and 43 premises sealed since June 1

Authorities in Delhi have intensified action against unauthorised construction and misuse of premises, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi reporting 82 demolitions and 43 seals across municipal zones since June 1. The drive follows scrutiny after the Hauz Rani bed-and-breakfast fire that killed 21 people. Officials said the campaign is directed by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Delhi’s civic authorities intensified action against illegal building work and misuse of premises across municipal zones. Officials said 82 properties faced demolition and 43 were sealed since June 1. The steps followed closer checks after a fatal fire in South Delhi. The blaze at a Hauz Rani bed-and-breakfast killed 21 people on June 3.

Officials said the sealing and demolition drive was ordered by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi said inspections increased across zones. More than 150 notices, sealing notices and demolition orders were issued for misuse and bye-law breaches. A wider survey was also started to trace illegal commercial and residential construction.

Delhi demolition drive: Hauz Rani B&B guest houses under scrutiny

In South Delhi, a joint survey in Hauz Rani found over 12 bed-and-breakfast B&B guest houses violating building bye-laws, the corporation said. A senior MCD official said these 12 B&B facilities will be sealed after government revokes its licences. During a Friday drive, five B&B guest houses were sealed in Hauz Rani, officials said.

Officials listed the sealed Hauz Rani facilities as Green Residency, Sky Inn, Flourish Inn, Venue Inn and Mikasa Inn. The same survey also marked other nearby pockets for violations. It flagged 32 properties in Saidulajab and nine properties in Khirki Extension, the statement said. Officials said surveillance in these areas was increased to stop fresh violations.

MCD demolition drive: zone-wise action across Delhi

The MCD said demolitions since June 1 included 12 properties in the South Zone. It also reported seven demolitions in Civil Lines Zone and eight in Narela Zone. In the same period, 14 properties were sealed in the South Zone. Officials linked the stepped-up checks to concerns about unsafe and misused premises.

In Khirki Extension, officials said one property was demolished and sealed during the drive. In Saidulajab, eight properties were acted upon during the ongoing operation, the statement said. The MCD said further action was planned against 32 properties in Saidulajab and nine in Khirki Extension. Officials said monitoring would continue during the enforcement period.

Delhi demolition drive: other locations and sealed basements

Beyond the South Delhi clusters, action was also taken in other parts of the city, the statement said. Demolition and sealing steps covered three properties in Savitri Nagar, Sainik Farm and Khanpur. In Gautam Nagar, three basements used as libraries were sealed for violating norms. Officials said checks would continue across zones.

Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi, speaking on the Malviya Nagar fire incident, said, "The entire administration, including DM district magistrate, DC deputy commissioner, and fire department officials are identifying unsafe structures; no negligence will be tolerated.\" The MCD said citizens were advised against unauthorised construction. It said violations invite action under the DMC Act-1957, Master Plan-2021 and Unified Building Bye-Laws-2016.

Delhi demolition drive: committees for fire safety and building bye-laws

The Delhi government on Thursday formed district-level and subdivision-level committees for inspections. The order said the panels will inspect and start sealing against establishments violating fire safety norms and building bye-laws. The committees were tasked to coordinate a city-wide survey of illegal buildings and such establishments. The order added district magistrates may use Disaster Management Act, 2005 powers if needed.

With inputs from PTI