New Delhi: Taking suo motu cognisance of structurally unsafe buildings in the capital, Delhi High Court has observed that Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) cannot evade its responsibility by merely conducting inspections or issuing notices while leaving hazards unaddressed.Justice Saurabh Banerjee directed the MCD commissioner, in consultation with the Delhi chief minister, to constitute a high-powered committee within a week to devise alternatives, including sealing, repairs or controlled demolition, for buildings found structurally unsafe during the GRAP period.“MCD in this precarious situation cannot shirk away from its obligation by merely conducting inspections or issuing notices, while leaving the underlying danger unaddressed till an unfortunate incident occurs,” said Justice Banerjee.The order was passed on Nov 6 while hearing an application by Mohd Asif and others seeking an early hearing of their petition concerning a property against which MCD had issued a notice under Section 348 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.The court noted that in several cases, MCD had issued notices for buildings found to be dilapidated, ruinous, dangerous or likely to collapse, but had “failed to take effective steps for a considerable period”.The matter is scheduled for hearing on Jan 20 next year.
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