The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has engaged in extensive enforcement actions in the weeks following the collapse of a paying guest (PG) building in Satya Niketan. In the period from September 6 to September 23, 2026, MCD reportedly demolished 543 properties and sealed 178 properties due to unauthorised constructions. This information is detailed in an affidavit submitted to the Delhi High Court.

According to MCD Executive Engineer Ajay Kumar Jain, who filed the affidavit on September 24, the enforcement actions were a direct response to concerns raised in the wake of the collapse. During this 17-day crackdown, the civic body issued 354 show-cause notices related to unauthorised construction activities.

The affidavit also disclosed that 205 sealing show-cause notices and 98 demolition orders were issued. This rigorous action aims to ensure compliance with building regulations within the jurisdiction of MCD.

Details Surrounding the Collapsed Building

MCD’s affidavit revealed critical information regarding the building that collapsed on September 6. The structure, located at Property No. 14 in Satya Niketan, was reported to have never received sanctioned building plans from the civic body. Construction on the ground, first, and second floors occurred sometime between 1970 and 1980, with additional work conducted in 1997-98.

The MCD characterised the building as a load-bearing structure lacking a reinforced concrete frame, with walls measuring merely 4.5 inches in thickness. The property was being utilised for commercial purposes on the ground floor and as PG accommodation on upper levels.

Despite this use reportedly starting in 2007, MCD stated that no complaints had been lodged against the property since January 1, 2026. While no new construction activities were initially identified, some minor repair work had been undertaken by the owner. The exact reasons for the collapse remain undetermined, though MCD speculated that heavy rainfall prior to the incident may have compromised the building’s integrity.

Wider Inspections and Future Actions by MCD

In response to the collapse, MCD conducted inspections of approximately 300 properties in the Satya Niketan area, discovering 101 that were operating as PG accommodations. Following this analysis, three properties were declared dangerous, prompting the issuance of notices under Section 348 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.

While these notices were temporarily stayed by the High Court, it directed that no PG accommodations remain operational in these buildings until they are deemed structurally safe. Consequently, authorities vacated these properties.

MCD further identified ten properties needing major repairs and directed their owners to acquire detailed structural audits from experts within ten days. Meanwhile, a larger survey conducted spanned all twelve zones, revealing a total of 2,453 PG buildings housing approximately 50,529 individuals. Of these, plans for 730 buildings could be verified as sanctioned.

Following the structural assessments, MCD clarified that its ongoing scrutiny would continue. Actions are anticipated against properties violating building regulations, and departmental measures are pending after the completion of a Magisterial Inquiry initiated by the Delhi government. This inquiry aims to determine responsibility for the collapse and assess any potential violations of building regulations.

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