Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday condemned the construction of unsafe buildings across the capital following the tragic building collapse in Mustafabad that claimed four lives. She called the issue of structurally weak constructions “very sensitive” and demanded strict action against those responsible, including government officials, contractors, and builders.
Addressing the media, CM Gupta said, “It is a very sensitive issue that such weak buildings are being constructed by openly flouting building norms. The officers who allowed these violations must be held accountable. The contractors and builders involved should also face strict punishment. We must identify and notify all such unsafe buildings across Delhi and ensure appropriate action is taken.”
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Chief Minister added, “It is heartbreaking that innocent lives are being lost in such preventable accidents. We must not allow this to continue.”
Earlier in the day, Gupta took to social media to express condolences and assure action. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “The heart is deeply saddened by the tragic incident of the building collapse in Mustafabad. Orders have been given to investigate the incident, and strict action will be ensured against the culprits. DDMA, NDRF, DFS, and other agencies are actively involved in rescue and relief operations.
Arrangements have been made for the proper treatment of all the injured. My deepest condolences to those who lost their lives. May God grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families in this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, who visited the site of the collapse, called the tragedy not an accident but a result of “criminal negligence.” Speaking to ANI, Mishra stated, “This is not an accident — this is criminal ignorance. It’s a painful incident. Four people have died, 15 were rescued, and around 10 others are feared to be trapped under the debris. Both the officials and the builders are responsible for this, and none will be spared.”
Mishra noted that illegal constructions were rampant in several parts of Delhi and posed a major risk to public safety. “Mustafabad, Seelampur, Old Delhi… such areas are filled with unauthorised buildings. This is not an isolated issue but a systemic failure,” he said.
He further confirmed that some nearby buildings had been vacated as a precaution. “We have called the MCD commissioner and directed him to vacate surrounding unsafe buildings. We will ensure that no responsible officer escapes accountability.”
In a follow-up post on X, Mishra added:
“Visited the site of the incident in Mustafabad. Chief Minister @gupta_rekhaji is directly monitoring the relief work. In Delhi, areas like Mustafabad, Seelampur, Jafrabad, Seemapuri, Jamia, and Old Delhi are flooded with such illegal constructions.
The corporation commissioner has been instructed to vacate unsafe buildings nearby. No responsible officer will be spared.”
The tragedy has reignited concerns over lax enforcement of building regulations in densely populated neighborhoods across the capital. Authorities now face mounting pressure to not only investigate the Mustafabad incident thoroughly but also to crack down on unauthorised and structurally unsafe buildings citywide.
Also Read: 4 dead, many trapped in Delhi’s Mustafabad building collapse
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