New Delhi: The collapse of a multi-story building in the Satya Niketan area has once again raised serious questions about the MCD’s regulatory system. Seven people have lost their lives in this tragic incident. All individuals trapped in the debris have been rescued, though the condition of some remains critical. This incident has reignited the debate regarding illegal buildings in the capital, Delhi.
In a survey conducted by the MCD in June 2026 [sic], only 19 buildings were categorised as dangerous out of approximately 2.8 million inspected. BJP leaders have expressed growing concern over illegal constructions. BJP leader Vijay Goel voiced his apprehension regarding illegal construction and dilapidated buildings in Delhi, stating that without timely action, unauthorised multi-story buildings and old, crumbling properties could lead to further tragedies.
MCD Statement
According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the building that collapsed on Sunday was constructed in the 1990s on a plot of approximately 55 square yards within a resettlement colony. Some residents claimed the building was nearly five decades (50 years) old.
The MCD stated that it was built in 1970. Officials noted that initial permissions in these resettlement colonies allowed for the construction of only a ground-floor structure. However, this decades-old, five-story building was being used as a paying guest (PG) accommodation for men. The MCD stated that there was no sanctioned building plan for the structure, nor had any complaints been received against it.
This area was developed as a resettlement colony in the 1970s, where residents were allotted small plots of land. MCD official Sanjeev Khirwar stated that further details regarding the immediate cause of the collapse would be available following a magisterial inquiry. Information regarding whether any work was being carried out in the basement will only be available after the magisterial inquiry.
MCD issues notices to 4 buildings
Repair work and water accumulation in the basement have been held entirely responsible for the building collapse in the Satya Niketan area. The municipal body has evacuated and sealed an adjacent building; this building housed a paying guest (PG) accommodation for women. According to officials, notices to vacate have been issued for at least four nearby buildings under Section 349 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.
According to officials, notices to vacate have been issued for at least four nearby buildings under Section 349 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. Meanwhile, between June and September, the MCD demolished approximately 980 properties, sealed 460 properties, and issued over 1,500 show-cause notices regarding illegal construction, as well as 708 show-cause notices related to sealing.
Officials stated that over 720 demolition orders were issued. At the same time, this incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the MCD’s annual pre-monsoon survey of dilapidated buildings; following the inspection of 784,286 buildings, 19 were categorised as dangerous.
