Delhi municipal authorities demolish over 120 illegal buildings in safety crackdown

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its drive against unauthorised construction across the national capital. Between June 1 and early June, the body demolished more than 120 properties and sealed over 160 premises, issuing dozens of show‑cause notices and demolition orders to enforce the Master Plan‑2021, Unified Building Bye‑Laws‑2016 and the DMC Act‑1957. The crackdown follows a series of tragedies, including a June 3 fire that killed 22 people, and is aimed at preventing further hazards.

In parallel, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Vice‑Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal inspected redevelopment works at Khan Market, a project costing about Rs 1.21 crore that will upgrade drainage, paving, water and electricity lines and improve pedestrian facilities. The inspection also covered safety measures after a recent fire at the Enforcement Department store in Safdarjung Airport. Both the demolition drive and the redevelopment effort reflect Delhi’s broader push to regularise construction and improve civic safety.

Key figures cited by officials include 95 demolitions and 124 seals reported on June 7, followed by 16 demolitions and 29 seals on June 9, and an additional 26 demolitions with 42 seals in a later operation. The MCD has served over 200 notices since the start of the month and continues to survey the city for illegal structures.