A report released by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Tuesday has revealed fresh details about the building collapse in Delhi’s Saidulajab that killed six people.

According to the report, the building was originally constructed around 12 to 13 years ago. However, the third and fourth floors were added much later. This raises questions about the legality of those floors because constructions carried out in unauthorised colonies after June 2014 are considered illegal under existing laws.

Officials said the fifth and sixth floors, which collapsed during the incident, may also fall under the category of illegal construction.

MCD Plans Major Crackdown on Illegal Constructions

Following the tragedy, MCD conducted a survey in the surrounding area and identified 81 properties that were allegedly involved in illegal construction activities. Officials said the civic body had taken preliminary action against only 39 of those properties so far. For the remaining 42 properties, MCD will begin a large-scale demolition and sealing drive from Wednesday.

“This will involve evictions, sealing properties where such action is deemed necessary, and demolishing structures where demolition is required,” an official said. Authorities will also revisit the 39 properties where action has already been taken.

“If seals are found to be tampered, FIR will be filed against the owners,” the official added.

Building Not Included in Regularisation List

The report also confirmed that the collapsed building was not among the 1,511 unauthorised colonies identified earlier this year for regularisation. However, the report did not clearly state whether the area falls under the list of exclusions, which includes 69 colonies categorised as affluent.

A senior municipal official said the lane near the collapse site appears to fall within the affluent colony category. However, officials are still uncertain about the exact status of the plot where the building stood.

Details of the Collapsed Structure

The building was located at Khasra No. 262, Gali No. 5, Western Marg in Saidulajab. According to the report, the structure originally included a basement, ground floor, first floor and second floor. These sections were built around 12 to 13 years ago.

Officials could not determine the exact date when the third and fourth floors were added. The property covered nearly 300 square metres.

Law Protects Only Pre-2014 Constructions

Under the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, constructions built in unauthorised colonies before June 2014 receive legal protection. Any construction carried out after that date is considered illegal.

The law first came into effect in 2006 and was initially meant to remain valid until May 2007. However, the government has repeatedly extended it over the years. The latest extension came in 2023, continuing protection for structures built before the 2014 cut-off date.

Massive Rescue and Debris Removal Operation

MCD gained access to the site at around 10:30 pm on May 30, the day of the collapse. The civic body deployed extensive machinery and equipment to carry out rescue and clearance operations. Teams used three earth-movers, two poclain machines, three Hydra cranes, gas cutters, pneumatic hammers, scaffolding materials, jacks and girders.

Officials also worked to secure nearby buildings to prevent further damage. The report stated, “During this period, MCD has removed and cleared approximately 80 to 90 truckloads of debris from the site.”

More Illegal Structures Found Nearby

Officials identified several other unauthorised buildings close to the collapse site. Authorities have already issued notices under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. Further legal action will follow against the property owners. To strengthen enforcement, MCD has formed special survey teams to inspect the area and identify additional illegal structures.

More Sealing Notices Issued

A senior official said MCD issued six new sealing notices on Monday and two more on Tuesday. The property owners have been directed to vacate the buildings within 72 hours. Officials said they will prioritise action against all buildings found to have illegal construction.

The development comes amid growing concerns about enforcement. Earlier reports showed that more than 120,000 properties across Delhi have been booked for illegal construction, while multiple reports submitted to the Delhi Assembly highlighted slow action against violators.

Collapse Occurred During Ongoing Construction

The six-storey building collapsed on Saturday. According to reports, workers were allegedly constructing two additional floors above the existing structure when the building came down.

The building stood next to a dining mess popular among postgraduate students, including doctors and engineers. Local residents said the lower floors housed offices and co-working spaces, while construction work was underway on the upper levels.

Political Row Erupts After Collapse

The incident has also triggered a political confrontation. Leader of Opposition in the MCD, Ankush Narang, said councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a protest outside the office of Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar at the Civic Centre.

AAP leaders accused officials of corruption, negligence and allowing illegal constructions to flourish under the BJP-led civic administration.

Narang said, “The entire network of illegal constructions in Delhi is operating under the patronage of the BJP. Despite complaints from local residents, the deputy commissioner took no action. In this regard, a demand has been made to the municipal commissioner to immediately suspend the deputy commissioner of the south zone.”