Delhi Declares 3 PG Hostels Dangerous After Fatal Satya Niketan Collapse

Three paying-guest (PG) hostel buildings in Delhi have been officially classified as dangerous, and nine others have been found to require major repairs, according to a structural safety survey launched by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) following last week's deadly building collapse in Satya Niketan.

The civic body has so far inspected 1,252 PG buildings across the city. In addition to the 12 structures flagged for serious concerns, 39 buildings have been identified as needing minor repairs. One of the three buildings deemed dangerous has already been demolished.

The survey is focusing on high-risk structures: PG buildings exceeding five storeys with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) frames, and those over four storeys built with load-bearing brick walls. The MCD is categorizing each property as safe, requiring minor repairs, requiring major repairs, or dangerous. The inspection drive is scheduled to conclude by Thursday.

The initiative was triggered by the collapse of a five-storey PG building in Satya Niketan on Sunday, which housed nearly 75 students. The incident claimed seven lives and injured six others. An MCD assessment revealed the property lacked a sanctioned building plan, had an unauthorised basement, and did not possess a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). The fifth floor was also constructed without permission. Residents had reportedly noticed cracks and water seepage prior to the collapse. The building had not been flagged in the MCD's earlier pre-monsoon survey of dangerous properties.

Following the tragedy, an adjacent building was also declared dangerous, and the MCD has initiated its demolition. Students in the area have been evacuated as officials conduct structural checks. The MCD has vowed action against any property found with structural defects or building violations.

This PG survey runs parallel to a broader MCD enforcement campaign against unsafe and unauthorised constructions. On Wednesday alone, the civic body executed 34 demolition actions across 12 zones and sealed 17 properties. Officials also issued 22 show-cause notices and passed four demolition orders. Narela saw the highest number of drives with six, followed by five each in the South and Central zones. In Civil Lines, four properties, including Vardhman Mall, were sealed.

Since June 1, the MCD reports carrying out 1,053 demolitions and sealing 491 properties, alongside issuing 2,316 show-cause notices and 757 demolition notices.