The Delhi High Court has directed the MCD commissioner to constitute a high-powered committee in consultation with Delhi Chief Minister to address the issue of repair, sealing or demolition of dangerous and dilapidated buildings during GRAP-related restrictions.
In an order passed on 6th of this month, Justice Saurabh Banerjee observed that since demolition activities are prohibited during the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-related anti-pollution restrictions, the civic authorities cannot take steps for the removal of such dangerous structures till 10th February.
Justice Banerjee took suo motu cognisance of the imminent threat to the lives of occupants and owners of such buildings as well as to the passers-by and occupants of adjoining properties.
He remarked that the court cannot just remain a mute spectator in the face of tragedies like the Satya Niketan building collapse.
The court said the danger is evident from the series of unfortunate incidents involving the collapse of buildings in different parts of Delhi within a relatively short span of time, including the building collapse at Satya Niketan and recently at Chawri Bazaar, which resulted in the loss of numerous human lives.