New Delhi: Authorities in Delhi have intensified safety inspections of paying guest accommodations following the collapse of a five storey building in Satya Niketan that killed seven people and injured six others.
The building, estimated to be around 50 years old, reportedly housed nearly 75 students in PG rooms. It collapsed within seconds on Sunday afternoon, raising serious concerns over the safety of ageing buildings used as student accommodation.
Initial findings suggest that the collapse may have originated in the basement, where repair work was reportedly being carried out. The incident has also brought attention to reports that the structure had begun tilting several months earlier, a warning sign that many residents were reportedly unaware of.
Following the tragedy, three nearby PG buildings have been declared dangerous after inspections by civic authorities. Officials are assessing the structural condition of buildings in the area to prevent another accident.
Adjoining Structure Faces Demolition
The building next to the collapsed structure has also been found to be weakened and unsafe. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has issued a notice and decided to demolish it in a phased and controlled manner.
The structure is currently being supported by around 18 to 20 iron guardrails installed across its front, rear and central sections as a temporary precaution. Officials said the building has deteriorated to a point where demolition is considered necessary.
The demolition is expected to be carried out within the next one to two days, with authorities planning the operation carefully because of the building’s weakened condition.
The Satya Niketan tragedy has renewed scrutiny of old residential and PG buildings in Delhi, particularly those housing large numbers of students. Authorities are now focusing on structural safety, unauthorised alterations and ongoing construction or repair work that could compromise the stability of ageing buildings.
