The Hindu : New Delhi News : DDA asked to tighten the noose on unsafe buildings

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 13, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

DDA asked to tighten the noose on unsafe buildings

Sujay Mehdudia

Expresses concern over lack of safety in important buildings

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over lack of safety standards and norms in a large number of important buildings and public places, Union Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken has directed the Delhi Development Authority to coordinate with the Fire Department to initiate action against private builders who are violating the law.

During a round of the Janakpuri District Centre, which has come into limelight recently due to a spate of suicides and attempted suicides, Mr. Maken noted that a majority of such buildings belonged to the private builders and not DDA or any civic agency.

The Minister said he had asked DDA Vice-Chairman Dinesh Rai and Member (Engineering) to take note of the situation and put in place an action plan where those found on the wrong side of the law either rectify the situation or face action.

"All those private builders who are found violating the law will be asked to set things right within a certain time frame. The scope of the safety standards would be extended to all major public places and buildings that fall under DDA's jurisdiction.

At no point would anyone be allowed to compromise on public safety and security of the citizens. We will come down heavily on those who indulge in such violations," asserted Mr. Maken.

Referring to the spate of suicides at the Janakpuri District Centre, Mr. Maken said a majority of the incidents had taken place from the fire exit staircase. Since it was not possible to cordon off the entire staircase, it had been decided to put wire meshes on all the floors of the fire safety exits so that it acts as a deterrent.

"I have asked the DDA to convene a meeting with the Fire Department officials and sort out the situation. There are loopholes not only in the upkeep of the buildings but also in the security. The private builders would be asked to enhance private security at their buildings and also install physical barriers so that such incidents are prevented in future," he stated.

Mr. Maken, who has been holding weekly reviews of the progress of various projects taken up by DDA, informed that its first priority is to put in place the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 after incorporating all the necessary inputs received from various sources including the public. The exercise of finalising the Master Plan is on the track and it is expected that everything will be fine-tuned and released within a few months.

"We are taking into consideration a large number of aspects including heritage, conservation, environment, protection of water bodies and sources and greenery," he said.

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