MHA asks MCD for audit plan covering every building in city

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed by the Union home ministry to prepare a roadmap for a citywide audit of fire and structural safety of every house and building in the Capital, including those in unauthorised localities. The initial report on the action plan will be submitted to MHA in 10 days, officials aware of the matter said on Friday.

Auditing every house in Delhi would be a mammoth exercise, requiring substantial funding, manpower and independent technical expertise, with civic agencies lacking the capacity to inspect millions of buildings, senior officials said.

The directive – issued in a meeting which was attended by official from Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Fire Services, New Delhi Municipal Corportaion (NDMC), Delhi Police and MCD – follows a series of deadly incidents that have renewed concerns over building safety in the Capital.

Fires, including the Palam blaze that killed nine people, and building collapses in Satya Niketan, Saidulajab and, most recently, New Seemapuri have highlighted the risks posed by unsafe structures and inadequate fire precautions.

We have been asked to submit an action plan on citywide audits on fire and structural safety. Since the number of buildings is so large, such a mammoth exercise will take a lot of time and independent auditors may be required,” a senior civic official said, requesting anonymity.