Ensure survey and action on dangerous buildings: Praveen Shankar Kapoor

Following the tragic building collapse in Seelampur on Saturday, which resulted in six deaths, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in such incidents involving structurally weak houses, especially during the monsoon season.

He said it was disheartening to see city authorities allegedly shifting responsibility. Therefore, regardless of which government land-owning agency is involved, the responsibility to survey, identify dangerous buildings, serve notices, and ensure repairs or demolition—as required—should lie with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. He emphasized that prompt action in this regard is essential to prevent further tragedies.

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Kapoor added that the city is expected to receive heavy rainfall this monsoon, making it all the more crucial for civic authorities to conduct a serious survey of old and dilapidated buildings, and ensure they are either vacated or repaired to avoid future mishaps.

The Seelampur incident, which occurred in the morning, proved challenging for rescue operations due to the narrow lane leading to the site. Machines could not reach the affected area, and the rescue work had to be carried out manually.

This tragedy came just a day after a 44-year-old man lost his life when a three-storey commercial building collapsed in the Mithai Pul area of Sadar Bazaar in the early hours of Friday. The deceased, identified as Manoj Sharma, was an employee at one of the shops in the building.

Additionally, on Friday night around 11:30 PM, parts of a balcony collapsed at a property opposite Kala Masjid on Main Road, Turkman Gate, in Old Delhi.

Upon inspection, it was found that fortunately, none of the occupants were inside the building when the incident occurred. No injuries were reported, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi was informed for further necessary action.