Delhi building safety: 30 dead and 330+ calls reported in nine months

Data from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) reveals that between January 1 and September 6 this year, the department received over 330 calls related to building issues. These incidents have resulted in 30 deaths and 120 injuries. The reported calls include major structural collapses as well as minor concerns such as falling bricks, roof collapses, and cracks in structures.

Recent major incidents include a five-storey building collapse in Satya Niketan on September 6, which served as a paying guest accommodation. A rescue operation concluded on Monday after seven people were confirmed dead and five others injured. Following this event, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi began the controlled demolition of an adjacent building that had been declared dangerous.

Other notable fatalities this year include a June fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Hauz Rani that killed 23 people, and a collapse in Saidulajab that killed six. While the total number of calls and casualties has declined compared to the same period last year, the frequency of fatal incidents remains a significant concern for the city.