Satya Niketan Collapse: Building Had Unauthorised Construction, No Sanctioned Plan, Says Civic Official
The Satya Niketan building that collapsed on Sunday, killing six people, had no sanctioned building plan and featured unauthorised construction in its basement, according to a senior MCD official. The civic body has since ordered action against other dangerous and unauthorised structures in the area.
The death toll in the Satya Niketan building collapse rose to six on Monday morning, while rescue and investigation efforts continued. The Delhi Police has also issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Hariram, the owner of the collapsed building, who remains untraceable. A senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official said the building had no sanctioned plan and that construction carried out in the structure was unauthorised.
The official said that changes made in the basement of the building were particularly dangerous. “Permission for changes in the basement of a standing structure cannot be granted. It is hazardous. It is the failure of the field staff to detect the activity,” the official said.
Satya Niketan Building Was Built In 1990s
The collapsed structure was identified as P-14, Satya Niketan, and was reportedly built in the 1990s, according to an MCD report. The property stood on a 55-square-yard plot and comprised a basement, ground floor and four upper floors.
According to the MCD report, there was “no record of booking or sealing” against the property, while no complaints regarding any construction work had been received.
However, a senior civic official said the building had no sanctioned building plan and that unauthorised construction had been carried out in the basement. The building was also reportedly being used as a paying guest accommodation for students.
Delhi Police Issues Look Out Circular Against PG Owner
The Delhi Police has issued a Look Out Circular against Hariram, the owner of the collapsed building, as authorities continue efforts to trace him. Police have also registered a case in connection with the collapse and are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.
The death toll rose to six on Monday after another person succumbed to injuries. Rescue teams, including personnel from the Delhi Fire Services, police and disaster-response agencies, continued operations at the site following the collapse.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also visited the site to review the rescue operation and assess the safety measures being taken in the area. She has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and said those found responsible would face strict action.
MCD Orders Demolition Of Nearby Building
Following the collapse, the MCD ordered the demolition of a nearby building, identified as Property No. 13 in Satya Niketan, after finding it to be in a “ruinous/dangerous condition”. The civic body directed the owner or occupier to demolish the structure within three days.
The MCD has also announced that illegal constructions with more than four floors will be immediately sealed. The civic body said strict action would be taken against officials found responsible for allowing such constructions, including dismissal.
The development comes as authorities face increased scrutiny over the safety of multi-storey PG accommodations and other structures in Delhi’s densely populated areas.
Policy For Structural Certificates For PGs, Hostels
Delhi government minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a meeting with the Mayor and MCD Commissioner following the collapse and directed officials to formulate a policy requiring PGs, hostels and public utility establishments to obtain structural certificates.
“Today, the Honorable Chief Minister held a meeting with the Mayor and the MCD Commissioner and directed that a policy be formulated immediately requiring PGs, hostels, and public utility establishments operating here to obtain a structural certificate. Without a structural certificate, they will not be permitted to operate,” Sirsa said.
The move is aimed at strengthening structural safety checks for buildings being used to accommodate students and other members of the public.
Investigation Underway Into Satya Niketan Collapse
Preliminary reports have pointed to construction and renovation work being carried out in the building before the collapse. The chief minister had said that excavation or other work in the basement may have affected a pillar and contributed to the collapse, though the exact cause is expected to be established through the ongoing investigation.
The incident has also prompted authorities to examine other buildings in the locality and take action against structures considered unsafe. The MCD’s decision to seal illegal four-plus-storey constructions and demolish a nearby dangerous building indicates a wider safety inspection following the tragedy.
Sahil Behl is an education journalist at Jagran with over a year of experience in journalism. Prior to joining Jagran, he worked as a Sub-Editor in NDTV’s Education department, where he was responsible for writing and editing education-related content as well as managing the department’s social media presence. At Jagran, he covers a wide range of education topics, including board examinations, school updates, admissions, and job notifications, while leveraging his editorial expertise and strong understanding of digital content strategy. Sahil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has also completed an eight-month certification program in Data Science. Passionate about emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, he closely tracks their growing role in journalism and explores how they are transforming shaping the future of the media industry.
