Buildings more than 50 years old under the Delhi Development Authority could soon face safety audits at regular intervals, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said today, a day after seven people were killed in a building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan.
Safety Audits Proposed for Aging DDA Buildings Following Fatal Collapse
In response to a tragic building collapse in Satya Niketan that killed seven people, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is considering safety audits for all Delhi Development Authority (DDA) buildings over 50 years old. The collapse occurred on Sunday near Delhi University’s South Campus, where rescue operations managed to save twelve individuals trapped under the debris. Khattar’s proposal aims to address broader safety concerns following this incident, seeking to prevent future tragedies in aging urban infrastructure.
New Safety Audit Proposal for Older Buildings
The government is exploring a new system for conducting safety audits on older DDA buildings. Instead of waiting for safety concerns to arise, these buildings would be inspected regularly. The proposed plan targets structures over 50 years old, with audits scheduled at intervals of 10, five, and three years after they reach this age.
Under this initiative, every building would undergo its first safety audit once it completes 50 years. This approach emphasizes the entire life cycle of a building, covering aspects from construction and maintenance to safety evaluations and future redevelopment.
