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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a detailed probe into a residential building in Vivek Vihar after a fire incident that led to nine deaths. Preliminary findings indicate possible violations such as deviation from sanctioned plans, absence of a completion certificate, and additional dwelling units beyond permitted limits. Authorities are also examining safety lapses including blocked exits, enclosed balconies, and restricted access points. The incident has once again raised concerns around enforcement of building norms and fire safety compliance in residential areas.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has begun an investigation into a residential building in Vivek Vihar to assess whether it violated approved construction plans and safety regulations. The action follows a fire incident at the property that resulted in the death of nine people, bringing attention to possible lapses in compliance and enforcement.
Officials involved in the probe said that the building may not have obtained a mandatory completion certificate, which is required to confirm that construction has been carried out as per the sanctioned plan. Without this certification, authorities find it difficult to verify if any unauthorised changes were made during or after construction. Initial checks indicate that while a layout plan had been approved earlier, the actual structure on the ground may have deviated from those approvals.
There are also indications that the number of dwelling units in the building exceeded permissible limits for the size and category of the plot. As per existing norms, only a fixed number of units can be constructed, but officials suspect that additional units may have been created, increasing occupancy beyond what was allowed. This aspect is being examined as part of the ongoing review.
The investigation has further highlighted structural features that may have contributed to the severity of the incident. Authorities observed that iron grills were installed across sections of the building, including balconies and exit areas, which likely restricted movement during the emergency. In addition, parts of the building such as terraces and open spaces may have been enclosed, limiting ventilation and reducing accessible escape routes. These factors are being studied to understand how they affected rescue operations.
Officials said that building bylaws require open areas like balconies to remain accessible for ventilation and emergency use, but this condition may not have been followed. The presence of locked or obstructed exit points is also being looked into, as it may have delayed evacuation during the fire.
The civic body is reviewing whether the building complied with provisions under the Unified Building Bye-Laws and the Master Plan of Delhi. The mayor stated that all aspects, including approvals, construction stages, and safety compliance, are under examination. He indicated that strict action would be taken if any violations are confirmed and also pointed out the need for greater awareness among residents regarding basic safety measures.
Preliminary reports linked the fire to a possible electrical fault or appliance-related issue, though the exact cause is still under investigation. The incident has once again highlighted how structural modifications and safety oversights can increase risks in residential buildings, especially in densely populated areas.
Delhi has faced similar concerns in the past, where unauthorised constructions and deviations from approved plans have been flagged by authorities. Civic agencies have repeatedly carried out sealing and demolition drives in such cases, but enforcement challenges remain. The current probe adds to ongoing efforts to tighten scrutiny and ensure that residential developments follow approved norms and safety standards.
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