NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated an inquiry into potential violations of building bylaws following a devastating fire in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, which tragically resulted in nine fatalities on Sunday morning.
“Officials have visited the site to investigate. We will take stringent action against any officials found negligent in approving the building plan,” stated mayor Pravesh Wahi.
According to officials, the presence of grills on the rear side of the building significantly hindered rescue operations and contravened the purpose of open balconies as outlined in the Unified Building Bylaws 2016. “These balconies should remain unenclosed to be exempt from floor area ratio (FAR) calculations and are intended for functional, open-air use,” an official explained.
Wahi also urged residents to adopt safer construction practices, noting that the rear was entirely covered with grills from the ground floor to the terrace, obstructing escape routes during the fire. “Although building bylaws do not explicitly address grill installation, such features become permanent fixtures. It’s crucial to avoid such additions, or ensure there are sufficient open spaces for emergency evacuations,” he advised.
He emphasized that the terrace should remain unlocked, allowing unrestricted access for all residents in emergencies. The construction in Vivek Vihar lacked adequate emergency exits and contained only one central staircase, which was filled with smoke during the incident.
Investigators will also check if the number of dwelling units exceeded the allowed limit for the 650 sqm plot. While regulations permit only six units, officials noted that eight were constructed.
Currently, any building plans for plots over 500 sqm require approval from MCD headquarters. Officials indicated that an FAR of 225 applies to such plots, typically allowing six dwelling units.
“Initial findings suggest that the building plan received approval in September 2013,” the official added. However, MCD officials have yet to confirm the number of approved units or whether a completion certificate was issued.
Authorities are also reviewing whether the building’s single staircase complied with safety norms. “A single staircase is generally permissible for residential structures. According to UBBL 2016, the minimum width for a low-rise residential building staircase should be around 0.9 metres, though specifications often vary,” the official noted.
An advisory may be issued encouraging the public to adhere to approved building plans to ensure safety, with the official stating, “In some cases, individuals make alterations even after receiving a completion certificate.”
