Delhi government tightens enforcement on illegal buildings after deadly hotel fire

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a citywide crackdown on unauthorised construction following the Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people. The Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) inspected 124 sites, sealing 114 premises, demolishing 94 structures and issuing dozens of show‑cause notices. The administration also announced plans for a third‑party insurance framework for high‑footfall public buildings.

In response to identified coordination gaps, the government empowered district magistrates with powers to hold officials accountable, file FIRs, issue notices and recommend departmental action. Joint committees with representatives from the fire service, police, electricity providers and other agencies will be set up in every district. An immediate review of constructions exceeding the permitted G+4 height limit will be undertaken, and any illegal deviation from approved plans will face sealing and possible imprisonment under the Disaster Management Act.