New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has issued a circular asking owners or occupiers of highrise buildings that are 15m or higher, which have building plans sanctioned or construction done before March 21, 2001, to do a structural safety audit in the next three months.The authority, in a notice issued Thursday, clarified that a similar order was issued in July 2020. But the compliance was limited, prompting the authority to reissue the notice with a deadline, sources said.“The structural safety audit is mandatory to be carried out by the owners/occupiers of all highrise buildings (15m or above). Structural engineers empanelled with MCD or govt agencies are authorised to conduct the exercise. The fees and cost of the structural audit shall be borne by the owner or occupier,” the notice said.The authority has, however, clarified that getting permission to structurally upgrade or repair a building (retrofitting) does not mean govt is pardoning or approving any illegal construction or illegal activity on that property.Structural safety audits are also mandatory for buildings which were sanctioned before March 2001 and have a height of less than 15 metres with high public congregation. “Places include educational buildings, hospitals, institutional buildings, assembly buildings, cinema halls, malls and Group Housing,” the authority said.“In case of non-compliance within stipulated time, action against owner/property shall be initiated as per provisions contained in notification dated April 24, 2019, and Feb 10, 2020, of Govt of Delhi NCT,” the proposal said.These notifications were issued on the direction of Delhi High Court to mandate structural audits and implementation plans to make buildings in Delhi seismically compliant (earthquake-safe).Non-compliance amounts to legal penalties against the owner/occupier, such as criminal or civil prosecution for endangering public safety under applicable building regulations and bylaws. It also allows property restrictions and sealing as per norms.
