NEW DELHI: The redevelopment of the Signature View Apartments is expected to face further delays as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is still awaiting clearance from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate the demolition of the buildings located in Mukherjee Nagar, north Delhi.
Designated as structurally unsafe in 2023, the residential complex, built by the DDA, is set for demolition and redevelopment. The CBI is currently investigating allegations of corruption and irregularities related to the construction of these towers and has instructed the DDA to postpone demolition until it gathers necessary evidence from the site.
A senior official from DDA stated that they have contacted the CBI again for permission to proceed with the demolition. “The CBI has enlisted Delhi Technological University (DTU) to collect samples and evaluate the quality of construction materials involved in the project. This process is ongoing and is anticipated to conclude within weeks. As this is part of an active investigation, we prefer not to interfere or hasten the process. We will begin demolition as soon as we receive the green light,” the official remarked.
While the apartments have been fully vacated, the DDA is also waiting on a decision from the Delhi High Court regarding the increased floor area ratio (FAR) requested by the residents, with the next hearing set for May.
Last year, the CBI filed an FIR against 28 retired DDA officials and private contractors for criminal conspiracy, corruption, and the use of substandard materials during the construction of the apartments. In addition, the former LG V K Saxena directed an inquiry from the vigilance department and the initiation of criminal proceedings against those involved.
Current residents, now in temporary rentals, have expressed their eagerness for demolition to commence, so redevelopment can start. “Though we are living elsewhere, the thought of returning home always lingers,” said Amanendra Kumar Rakesh, president of the Signature View Residents Welfare Association (RWA).
The apartments, constructed between 2007 and 2010 and allocated in 2011-12, began exhibiting structural issues shortly thereafter. An audit by IIT-Delhi in 2021-22 recommended immediate evacuation and dismantling of the complex.
The DDA plans to demolish the complex using a conventional floor-by-floor method as opposed to implosion, given the buildings’ poor structural condition. Experts have indicated that drilling weak walls for explosives could pose safety risks. “Given the density of the surrounding areas, manual demolition is considered the safer alternative,” stated an official.
On October 13, 2025, a joint team from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and DDA disconnected water and power supplies to the apartments following the Supreme Court’s evacuation deadline of October 12.
