Delhi CGHS told to conduct immediate safety audits

All Cooperative Group Housing Societies (CGHS) in Delhi have been directed to conduct an immediate, comprehensive safety audit of their buildings, covering structural integrity, fire safety and lift maintenance, with managing committees given three months to submit compliance reports, according to a circular issued by the office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies.

The circular, issued by Deputy Registrar (Policy) Anil Kumar, draws on directions from the Minister for Social Welfare, Welfare for SC/ST, Cooperative and Election, GNCTD, communicated in a letter dated September 12, 2026, calling for a comprehensive safety audit across Delhi’s cooperative housing societies.

Under the directions, societies must undertake a structural safety audit through qualified structural engineers or agencies, verify that they hold a valid Fire Safety Certificate or NOC and that fire-fighting and safety installations are functioning properly, and confirm valid lift inspection or safety certificates with proper lift maintenance.

Any serious structural or safety deficiency found to pose an imminent risk to life or property must be brought immediately to the notice of the competent authority, with appropriate precautionary measures taken without delay. The department has asked all societies to submit a time-bound compliance report, which it will use to monitor compliance and coordinate further action as needed.

The circular invokes Rule 106 of the Delhi Co-operative Societies Rules, 2007, which places responsibility on a society’s Management Committee to carry out repairs and maintenance of the property, conduct regular inspections, and take immediate action to repair and maintain it. The rule also requires societies to prepare and regularly update a Disaster Management Plan and a Fire Prevention Plan.

Accordingly, all CGHS managing committees have been directed to immediately inspect their buildings, common areas and facilities to ensure there is no structural damage, major cracks, seepage, leakage, or damage to roofs, external walls or staircases, or any other condition that could affect the safety of the building and its residents.

Committees must also verify the validity of Fire Safety Certificates or NOCs, confirm fire-fighting and safety installations are functioning, and check the validity of lift inspection and safety certificates wherever applicable.

Where structural defects, damage or other safety deficiencies are found, the Managing Committee must take immediate remedial action. If the matter requires intervention from a civic or competent authority, the Committee has been directed to take it up with DDA, MCD, Delhi Fire Service or any other relevant authority, and to pursue the matter until necessary action is taken.

Committees have also been told to maintain proper records of inspections conducted, deficiencies identified and the action taken in response.

The circular states that under Rule 106, the managing committee of each society is squarely responsible for repair, maintenance and ensuring the safety and stability of the society building. Accordingly, all managing committees have been directed to act accordingly and submit a compliance report to the office within three months.

The circular reiterates that Managing Committees remain responsible for ensuring due inspection, maintenance and timely remedial action regarding society buildings and common facilities, in accordance with the DCS Act, 2003, the DCS Rules, 2007 and approved by-laws, subject to applicable law.