Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Unauthorised Floors, Basement Work Raise Questions Over Delhi’s Building Safety

The recent collapse of a five-storey building in the Satya Niketan area of Delhi has brought unauthorised construction and structural safety under scrutiny.

The property, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, was reportedly permitted only up to the ground and first storey by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). However, the structure that collapsed had a basement and four floors above it.

The building was being used as densely populated guest accommodation, with rooms reportedly rented to students on a bed-by-bed basis. Residents also claimed that additional floors had been constructed in recent years.

A major investigation has been launched into the repair work in the basement. Delhi Police, however, stated that repair work was taking place when the building collapsed, while residents said the work had continued for around a week.

Waterlogging and dampness in the basement have also emerged as major concerns, although authorities have not established that these factors caused the collapse.

The incident raises a broader infrastructure question: What happens when a building designed for one storey is modified and expanded into packed accommodation without adequate structural oversight?

According to an MCD report, the permitted structure allowed only a ground-plus-one structure. The building that collapsed had four floors above the ground.

The area has a high concentration of boys’ PG accommodation due to its proximity to Delhi University’s South Campus. Police are now investigating the basement construction and repair work.

Other concerns include waterlogging, a dampened floor, reported cracks, and emergency exits. As per the police report, six people have died in the incident, while 11 people were rescued alive. The neighbouring building was evacuated and sealed after being found to be in a dilapidated state.