Delhi Drafts Policy for Mandatory Structural Audits of Old Buildings

In the wake of a deadly building collapse in Satya Niketan that killed seven people, the Delhi government is drafting a policy that would make structural audits and safety certification compulsory for older buildings used for public purposes. The proposed rules would apply to properties housing paying guests (PGs), nursing homes, schools, and similar establishments.

The aim is to assess whether commercial use or structural alterations have placed additional load on buildings or compromised their safety. The move follows the collapse of a five-storey building, around 50 years old, that housed a men's PG. Officials said the original structure dated to the 1970s, with parts added in the 1990s.

The property, known as 'Hostel Daze', had not been classified as dangerous by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Records show no notice was issued, no complaint was received, and the owner had paid property tax last year and conversion charges in 2007. Repair work was underway in the basement when the structure gave way. Preliminary findings suggest a pillar became unstable during repairs, and water accumulation in the basement may have triggered the collapse, according to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. A magisterial inquiry is ongoing.

Following the incident, the MCD has suspended five officials, including the Deputy Commissioner (South Zone) and engineers from the building department. The Mayor has warned that construction violating building bye-laws, including buildings exceeding four floors, will invite action. Officials will be held accountable in areas where unauthorised construction is found and monitoring was negligent.

The civic body has also ordered a fresh survey of dangerous and dilapidated buildings across Delhi to identify risks before an accident occurs. Action will be taken under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act where intervention is needed. Separately, the Delhi High Court has directed the MCD to collect details of PGs and hostels within a week, and the state government has ordered inspections of nearby PGs.

At the central level, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has proposed safety audits for DDA buildings over 50 years old, potentially at intervals of 10, five, and three years. For new DDA buildings, an audit after 50 years is being considered, along with a redevelopment fund to plan reconstruction before structures become severely dilapidated.