The increasing incidents of building collapses have prompted the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to embark on a mission to reconstruct dangerous and unsafe structures throughout the city. However, the reconstruction plans hinge on obtaining necessary consent from building owners, which remains a significant factor in moving forward with this initiative.
DDA proposes a reconstruction of unsafe buildings
Recently, the Disaster Management Authority conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the condition of unsafe buildings in the National Capital. Through this survey, a team of experts has pinpointed five specific areas within the city, which have been identified as home to numerous dangerous and unsafe structures. Based on their findings, the experts have recommended to the DDA that immediate renovations or complete reconstruction of buildings in these areas is imperative.
The proposal has received an in-principle approval during a meeting led by the LG-headed DDA; however, the specifics related to financial matters are still under discussion. The identified areas earmarked for reconstruction include Fatehpur Beri, Gandhi Nagar, Kondli, Lal Kuan, and Lalita Park, all of which have recorded a series of recent building collapses.
In addition to the proposed reconstructions, the DDA plans to engage a consultant tasked with preparing a detailed report concerning the current state of buildings in the specified areas. This consultant will not only assess the condition of the buildings but will also study the overall status of the areas and make recommendations on necessary measures, as revealed by sources.
DDA plans to reconstruct the damaged houses
Leading the expert team is Chief Engineer (Project) Mr. P K Vats, along with the chief engineer (quality control) and several senior officials. A spokesperson for the DDA, Neemo Dhar, expressed optimism that the project will soon launch.
According to a senior official, the Authority has successfully identified unsafe buildings that require either complete reconstruction or minimal patchwork. The identification was carried out visually; however, the Authority intends to conduct further detailed examinations to gather more nuances about the project’s requirements.
DDA’s strategy involves selecting three or four of the most unsafe buildings from each identified area initially. After careful selection, these buildings will undergo thorough examinations to determine whether they warrant total reconstruction or merely partial fixes.
It is vital to understand that the project will only progress with consent secured from homeowners. Their approval remains crucial before any substantial work can commence. Meanwhile, DDA has yet to finalize any financial decisions regarding how reconstruction will be funded.
There are varying opinions regarding funding; some suggest that building owners should contribute partially to construction costs, while others believe that funding could potentially come from DDA reserves or other urban development funds. Additionally, some stakeholders are proposing that an increased Floor Area Ratio or Floor Space Index could provide the necessary financial backing for the project.