Amid heavy security deployment, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Friday launched a sealing drive against unauthorised commercial establishments across several South Delhi business hubs, officials said.
The action was initiated against establishments found to be operating in violation of building bye-laws and licence conditions.
According to officials, at least 10 establishments, including several restaurants, were identified for sealing in Saidulajab, Hauz Khas Village and adjoining areas of South Delhi.
“Two buildings have already been sealed in Hauz Khas Village, six buildings have been identified in Saidulajab and will be sealed today, and a few other buildings will be sealed in nearby areas,” a senior MCD official said.
“Identified unauthorised establishments near the Hauz Rani area, where the fire incident took place, will be sealed soon, and we are waiting for their bed-and-breakfast licences to be revoked,” the official added.
Officials said at least four MCD teams, comprising multiple junior and assistant engineers, have been deployed to carry out the sealing exercise.
The crackdown comes days after a deadly fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in the Malviya Nagar area claimed 21 lives, bringing to light large-scale violations, including operation beyond permitted capacity and the absence of a sanctioned building plan.
On Thursday, the Delhi government constituted district-level and subdivision-level committees to inspect and initiate sealing action against establishments found violating fire safety norms and building bye-laws.
Under the government order, district-level committees comprising the district magistrate as chairperson, along with the deputy commissioner of the MCD, deputy commissioner of police and divisional fire officer, will coordinate a city-wide survey of illegal and unauthorised buildings and establishments violating fire safety regulations and building norms.
The committees have been tasked with carrying out inspections and sealing operations, with priority being given to buildings of G+5 and above and/or those having basements, particularly where commercial establishments such as bed-and-breakfast units, hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, guest houses, hospitals and nursing homes are operating without mandatory fire safety certificates.
The order further states that district magistrates may invoke provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, wherever required, to ensure comprehensive enforcement action against violators.
