New Delhi, June 9 -- Delhi government authorities inspected 86 properties across the national capital on Tuesday, even as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) demolished 16 properties and sealed 29 establishments, officials said.

The drive was part of an ongoing intensified crackdown on illegal constructions over safety violations following the recent Hauz Rani illegal Bed-and-Breakfast fire tragedy, where 22 people lost their lives.

According to the Revenue Department's daily inspection report, 86 properties were inspected on Tuesday alone, while 538 properties were inspected between June 5 and June 9. It also involved issuing notices and carrying out sealing, demolition and eviction proceedings in coordination with civic authorities.

Also, the MCD on Tuesday issued 21 show-cause notices for unauthorised constructions, 57 sealing show-cause notices and 22 demolition orders, officials said.

Officials said that the enforcement drive has gathered pace after the Hauz Rani fire incident. They further said that between June 1 and June 9, the MCD demolished 139 properties and sealed 199 establishments across the city.

During the period, the MCD also issued show-cause notices to 132 unauthorised constructions, sealing show-cause notices to 121 establishments and 64 demolition orders. The Revenue Department report showed action across several districts. In the South district, one property was sealed, and demolition action was initiated.

In the South-West district, demolition of excess structures and restraining orders against unauthorised developments were carried out.

The Old Delhi district saw one building sealed and punctured by the MCD and notices issued in another case.

In the North-East district, show-cause notices were issued to multiple hotels, guest houses, banquet halls and commercial establishments for violations of fire safety norms and building regulations. The Central and New Delhi districts also reported issuance of notices, while in the East district, property owners were asked to provide documents and approvals.

In the South-East district, joint surveys were conducted at unauthorised construction sites in Madanpur Khadar, while MCD initiated action against an under-construction property in Daryaganj.

In the North district, authorities issued restraining orders and notices in cases involving illegal construction and unauthorised borewells.

Meanwhile, MCD South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, during an inspection to review fire safety preparedness in south Delhi, said the exercise was aimed at identifying vulnerable establishments, particularly ground-floor eateries and other premises susceptible to fire hazards. "As a precautionary measure, we are inspecting vulnerable establishments, especially those on the ground floor and eateries where fire risks exist. The exercise will be carried out uniformly,"

Kumar said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.