New Delhi, Sept. 29 -- With dangerous buildings posing a potential risk to residents and passers-by, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the MCD to consider putting a searchable, ward-wise list of such structures in the public domain, along with details of notices and action taken.
In an order concerning an RTI application seeking information on such buildings, the Commission said "such disclosure was directly linked to public safety and could help residents, pedestrians and others take precautions while approaching or passing by such structures."
The CIC invoked its powers under Section 25(5) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, to recommend that the MCD examine the feasibility of putting the information on its official website in an easily accessible format.
The Commission suggested that the proposed database should, wherever permissible under the law, contain the location or address of the building, date of its identification or survey, status of notices issued and details of action taken by the civic body. Information protected from disclosure under statutory exemptions would remain excluded. The order noted that proactive disclosure would advance the objectives of Sections 4(1)(b), 4(2), 4(3) and 4(4) of the RTI Act and reduce the need for citizens to file individual RTI applications to obtain information concerning dangerous structures.
The CIC further recommended that the MCD update the information periodically. It said "details of newly identified dangerous buildings, subsequent action and changes in their status should be incorporated within a reasonable period through an appropriate mechanism."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.