New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Thursday suspended three more officials for dereliction of duty and negligence in the discharge of their responsibilities related to unauthorised construction.All three — an assistant engineer and a junior engineer from South West Zone and a junior engineer from Outer Delhi Zone — work in MCD’s building department.The move came three days after the civic body suspended five South Zone officials, including deputy commissioner Rakesh Kumar, over the Satya Niketan building collapse.“Any negligence or dereliction of duty by officials in dealing with unauthorised construction will not be tolerated. The corporation has directed its field-level officials to remain vigilant and ensure timely action against violations,” MCD said.Its commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar said, “Strict accountability will be maintained at all levels. Officials failing to discharge their duties properly will be liable for action.”On Thursday, the corporation continued its survey of PG facilities across the city for the third consecutive day. Officials said 1,355 PG facilities housing 26,917 people were covered till evening. Of them, 39 require minor repair work and nine major repairs, while three were classified as dangerous structures.Asked about the Sept 10 deadline of fixed by MCD for completing the exercise, an official said, “The survey will continue in the coming days as well. We will also survey PGs running out of residential properties.”As part of its ongoing action against unauthorised construction, MCD Thursday demolished 41 properties, sealed 61 and issued show-cause notices in 36 cases involving under-construction buildings.Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma held a high-level review meeting with deputy commissioners and executive engineers of all 12 zones and directed them to conduct a time-bound survey of unsafe and dilapidated buildings.“A report on such buildings, including details of surveys conducted, notices issued, sealing, partial/full demolition and pending cases, should be submitted within a week. Action on a priority basis should be taken against unsafe buildings, particularly in old markets, densely populated areas and those located near roads, markets and public places,” she said.Sharma emphasised the need for MCD to have its own structural engineers so that it can assess the structural safety of buildings at its own level.
