30 lakh buildings surveyed in Delhi, just 62 declared ‘dangerous’: MCD safety check raises fresh questions

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s annual exercise to identify dangerous and dilapidated buildings has come under scrutiny again, with questions being raised over whether its surveys are translating into timely action on the ground.

The scale of the exercise stands in stark contrast to the number of buildings declared dangerous. This year, the MCD surveyed around 30.7 lakh buildings ahead of the monsoon but identified only 62 as dangerous.

The gap has assumed significance after repeated incidents of building collapses in the Capital and concerns over the action taken against structures that have already been declared unsafe.

In 2021, the MCD, based on a report by IIT Roorkee, had declared a building in Gaffar Market dilapidated. Yet, no effective action has been taken against the structure so far. Thousands of shops continue to operate from the market, raising questions over a building declared unsafe can remain in use.

A similar situation exists at Krishna Kunj in Rohini Sector 15. Building Number 18 in B-Block, Pocket B-6, was declared dilapidated around four years ago. A permanent solution is still awaited. Bamboo supports have been installed around the building and a ‘danger zone’ warning put up, but the underlying problem remains unresolved.

This raises a crucial question: who will be held responsible if a structure already declared unsafe eventually collapses?

MCD’s own Old Delhi office in poor shape

The problem is not limited to private buildings. The MCD’s zonal office in Old Delhi is itself in a dilapidated condition.

Mortar is coming off the walls at several places and the building appears badly maintained. Located close to an underground Metro line, the structure is also reported to experience vibrations when Metro trains pass.

Despite this, repairs remain pending. The issue was recently raised by AAP councillor Ariba Khan during a Standing Committee meeting.

The building houses the MCD’s zonal property tax and education department offices, meaning employees and visitors continue to use a structure whose condition has itself become a concern.

30.7 lakh surveyed, only 62 declared dangerous

According to the MCD’s annual pre-monsoon survey, the Karol Bagh zone recorded the highest number of dangerous buildings at 19, followed by nine in the West zone, eight in the Central zone, four in the South zone and five in the City-Sadar Paharganj zone.

Interestingly, not a single dangerous building was identified in the Shahdara North, Shahdara South and Civil Lines zones.

The figures raise questions over the effectiveness of the annual inspection exercise, particularly as building-collapse incidents continue to occur in different parts of the Capital.

The issue, therefore, is no longer just about identifying unsafe structures. It is about whether the civic body acts on its own findings, and does so before a warning turns into a tragedy.