- Chawri Bazaar collapse kills two, renews Delhi building safety concerns.
- Multiple recent Delhi building collapses claim lives, spark scrutiny.
- Incidents highlight unauthorized construction, structural safety issues in Delhi.
The latest building collapse in Old Delhi’s Chawri Bazaar on Thursday, November 5, that killed at least two people and left several others feared trapped under the debris, has once again raised concerns over building safety in the national capital, where a series of collapses in recent months have claimed several lives.The latest incident was reported from Gali Sattara, near Chawri Bazaar Metro station, at around 9.50 am. At least six fire units, including water tenders and rescue vehicles, were deployed at the site. Senior officers were also supervising the rescue operation.
Here is a look at some of the major building collapse incidents reported in Delhi in recent months.
Saidulajab Building Collapse: Six Killed On May 30
The six-storey building, which was reportedly unauthorised, collapsed in the congested neighbourhood near Saket Metro station. The incident claimed six lives and injured several others. A magisterial inquiry later found that the building had already been flagged by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for violations, but effective enforcement action had not followed. The inquiry also pointed to ignored complaints and lapses in monitoring illegal construction.
Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Seven Killed On September 6
On September 6, a five-storey building being used as a paying guest accommodation collapsed in southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan, killing seven people and injuring others. The building had a basement where repair work was underway when the structure gave way.
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The incident raised questions about unauthorised construction and structural safety, particularly in areas with a large number of student accommodations. Reports following the collapse flagged violations, including an unauthorised basement and the absence of a sanctioned building plan and Fire NOC.
Seemapuri Building Collapse: Four Killed On October 7
Less than a month later, another building collapsed in northeast Delhi’s New Seemapuri on October 7. The four-storey structure gave way, killing four people, including two children and a 21-year-old pregnant woman, Gulafsa. Eight others were injured and rescued from the debris.
The building was reportedly around 20–25 years old and stood on a small plot in a densely populated neighbourhood. While residents said cracks had appeared after tremors from an earthquake in Uttarakhand, a preliminary inquiry later indicated that demolition work using heavy machinery at an adjoining unauthorised construction site may have triggered the collapse. A magisterial inquiry was ordered to establish the exact cause and fix responsibility.
Harsh Vihar Building Collapse: Father-Son Duo Killed On October 25
On October 25, a building collapsed in the Milan Garden area of northeast Delhi’s Harsh Vihar, killing a 60-year-old man and his 33-year-old son. The deceased were identified as Chanderpal and Vijay Kumar.
According to police, the ground-floor portion of an old building, reportedly being used as a godown, collapsed along with the structure above it. The father and son were pulled out during an overnight rescue operation and taken to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Police initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances behind the collapse.
Chandni Chowk Town Hall: Portion Of 160-Year-Old Structure Collapses
A large section of the over 160-year-old Town Hall building in Chandni Chowk also collapsed, with the incident reported on November 4. The collapse damaged the building’s entrance porch, roof, adjoining walls and a portion of the first floor. Two large beams near the entrance also came down.
No casualties were reported as the heritage structure has remained largely unused since the MCD shifted its headquarters to the Civic Centre in 2011–12. The collapse, however, raised concerns about the maintenance and structural condition of the historic building, which is owned by the civic body.
The latest collapse in Chawri Bazaar has once again brought the safety of under-construction and ageing buildings in Delhi's densely populated neighbourhoods under scrutiny. While rescue operations are underway, the circumstances behind Thursday's collapse are yet to be established.