The proposed policy follows the Satya Niketan collapse that killed seven people and exposed concerns over student accommodation.
NEW DELHI:
Delhi authorities have directed that structural-safety audits of buildings in major paying-guest accommodation clusters be completed within a week following the collapse of a five-storey student residence in Satya Niketan.
Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu issued the direction after a review with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood and senior officials. The government is also preparing a safety policy for buildings used as paying-guest accommodation, schools, nursing homes and other public facilities.
Seven people were killed when the Satya Niketan building collapsed on Sunday during reported work in its basement. Police arrested the owner, while five Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials were suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
Authorities are considering periodic structural audits for buildings more than 50 years old, with the frequency of inspections increasing as structures age. The final thresholds, enforcement arrangements and penalties have not yet been notified.
The Chief Secretary will supervise the immediate audit. Officials have also been asked to examine whether vacant MCD and Delhi Development Authority buildings can be converted into regulated student housing.
A safety audit identifies risk but will protect occupants only if authorities disclose findings, evacuate unsafe premises and enforce repair or demolition orders. The government has not yet published the number of buildings covered, the qualifications required of auditors or arrangements for displaced students.
