MCD Demolishes Unauthorised Buildings in Laxmi Nagar and Pandav Nagar

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi launched a demolition drive against unauthorised structures in Laxmi Nagar and Pandav Nagar on Wednesday. The action followed directives from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for strict measures against illegal construction, including the deployment of bulldozers, in the wake of the recent Satya Niketan building collapse.

Civic authorities targeted properties that had previously been booked for construction violations. According to an MCD official on site, one of the structures slated for complete demolition had violated approved plans. The official stated that the owners had permissions for a ground floor plus four additional floors, but had built an extra portion on top. Notices had been issued prior to initiating the demolition, and the official indicated that one or two more booked buildings in the vicinity could face similar action.

The crackdown follows orders issued by Chief Minister Gupta directing the MCD to execute demolitions in multiple parts of the capital. According to the Chief Minister's Office, senior civic officials were instructed to remain present on the ground during the exercise. Gupta also ordered authorities to carry out intensive inspections of all paying guest hostels across Delhi and take action against any illegal construction found on their premises.

The drive was initiated following the Satya Niketan building collapse, which killed seven people and left many injured, prompting a wider administrative push against unsafe buildings throughout the city.

However, the enforcement action drew sharp criticism from local residents who alleged that the drive was selective. Residents questioned why certain properties were being demolished while other multi-storey buildings in the area that violated construction norms remained untouched. Resident Ronit Sohan alleged that multiple six-storey buildings had been built in Pandav Nagar without facing penalties, accusing builders and civic officials of corruption.

Sohan claimed that poorer residents were disproportionately affected by the demolitions while illegal structures elsewhere continued to stand, adding that residents had encountered demands for bribes when attempting to lodge complaints. Another resident, Sunita, similarly alleged that illegal construction was widespread across the neighbourhood but that enforcement was being concentrated against specific residents.