Date:22/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/22/stories/2008122258340300.htm

New Delhi

MCD suspends JE in building collapse case

Staff Reporter

Deputy Commissioner asked to submit report in three days

NEW DELHI: In a reaction to the multi-storey building collapse incident that occurred in Jagatpuri on Saturday leaving three persons injured, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has placed one Junior Engineer under suspension and directed the Deputy Commissioner to submit an enquiry report within three days. According to civic body officials, further action would be initiated by the MCD on the basis of the findings in the report.

MCD’s Standing Committee chairman Vijender Gupta said that it has been experienced over the years that the root cause of house collapse in unauthorised and regularised unauthorised colonies is the lack of availability of rules and regulations for building activities.

Standard designs

“The situation can be averted by providing standard designs for construction activities. The MCD would also shortly be meeting the Lieutenant-Governor to find a solution to the problem,” he added.

Earlier Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra and Mr.Gupta had also visited the site of the house collapse in Jagatpuri to oversee relief work on the site being co-ordinated under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner.

The incident occurred while additional floors were being added to the original single-storey house as part of the building’s renovation resulting in its collapse and damage to the adjacent buildings.

According to reports, it has been alleged that the floors were being added illegally to the three-decade-old building without seeking authorised sanction from the MCD.