By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi, September 7, 2026: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered the suspension of five senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials following the building collapse in Satya Niketan Colony near Delhi University’s South Campus, signalling strict accountability over lapses in building safety.
The suspended officials are South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Superintending Engineer Ranvir Singh, Executive Engineer (Building) Lalit Kumar Goel, Assistant Engineer (Building) Sunil Chauhan and Junior Engineer (Building) Ashish Kumar.
Gupta visited the collapse site for the second consecutive day on Monday and reviewed rescue, relief and safety measures with officials. Following an initial assessment, she ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and said action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
According to the initial information cited by the Chief Minister, the pillars of the old building had weakened after water accumulated in its basement, eventually leading to the collapse of the entire structure.
Stricter Building Safety Rules Planned
The Delhi government is preparing a new policy, in coordination with the MCD, requiring buildings used for public purposes—including paying guest (PG) accommodation, nursing homes, schools and other institutions—to undergo periodic structural audits and obtain safety certification.
Gupta said no building would be permitted to conduct public activities without ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
She further directed officials to inspect vulnerable buildings and PG accommodations not only around the collapse site but across the affected area.
Crackdown on Illegal Construction
The Chief Minister also called upon Delhi MPs, MLAs and councillors to identify and report illegal construction taking place in their respective areas. She said such constructions would face demolition and that a mechanism would be established to monitor unauthorised construction while it is still under way.
Complaints will also be monitored by the Chief Minister’s Office, according to the government.
Students Shifted to Safety
The affected students have been moved to safe locations and accommodated in hostels at other colleges, with the Delhi government arranging their essential requirements.
The government is also maintaining contact with families of students injured in the incident and providing assistance.
Rekha Gupta said the safety of Delhi residents remained the government’s highest priority, warning that negligence or violations of safety standards would invite strict action. She added that if the ongoing inquiry establishes negligence by any other officials, further action would follow.
