With various political parties trying hard to woo voters ahead of elections, illegal constructions are going on unabated all across the Capital. Sealing and demolition activities, particularly in Central Delhi areas, have been put on hold; giving a free hand to the building mafia.
sources said no elected representative would take the risk of displeasing voters ahead of the elections hence, all demolition activities have been halted for now. This has, however, come as an opportunity for the builders to carry out rampant illegal activities.
Similar was the case with the building that collapsed in Bara Hindu Rao area on Wednesday morning. Even as the authorities claimed that it was a three-storey building, locals alleged that a fourth floor of the building had also been raised unauthorisedly. What is more appalling is that the building was located in a densely populated area with a police post and local councillor Hoor Bano's residence within 100-meter radius. There remains no doubt that illegal construction was flourishing under patronage of the police as well as the Municipal authorities, who turned a blind eye to the blatant violation. Recently, a councillor from Tilak Nagar was arrested by the CBI for pressurising a builder to pay bribe to save a building from being demolished by the Municiapal Corporation.
As locals alleged, several complaints had been lodged with the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMC) regarding the ongoing illegal constructions in the area, but no action was taken. Some of the residents had also approached the Nodal Steering Committee to check illegal constructions there, but in vain. Another reason for widespread illegal construction is the rich commercial value of properties in these areas. Being a prime commercial location, properties fetch good money to the owners and this tempts them to raise illegal floors and sell them out. Primarily for this reason, the building mafia is also active in these areas, who under the patronage of local authorities, compromise with the safety of commoners.
"Most of the buildings located in the Walled City are in a dilapidated state as they are very old. Illegal constructions are being carried out unabated in the name of renovation and repair. Further, the building mafia is active in the area; who claim to have the patronage of local police and Municipal authorities. Despite repeated complaints, no action is taken against the errant officials or property owners," said Mohammad Ismail, a resident of the area.