New Delhi: The redevelopment of Signature View Apartments is likely to face further delay with Delhi Development Authority (DDA) still awaiting clearance from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to start demolishing the buildings in north Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar.The residential complex, built by DDA, was declared structurally unsafe in 2023, prompting plans for its razing and redevelopment. CBI, which is probing allegations of irregularities and corruption in the construction of these towers, has asked DDA to put the demolition on hold until it collects evidence from the site.A senior DDA official said the authority has recently written to the agency again, seeking permission to initiate the razing. “CBI has engaged Delhi Technological University (DTU) to collect samples and examine the quality of construction materials used in the project. The process is underway and expected to be completed in a few weeks. Since this is a part of an ongoing investigation, we do not want to intervene or push for expediting it. Once we receive the nod, we will begin demolition,” the official said.While the apartments have been fully vacated, DDA is also awaiting a decision from Delhi High Court regarding the increased floor area ratio (FAR) sought by its residents, with the next hearing scheduled for May.Last year, CBI registered an FIR against 28 retired DDA officials and private contractors on charges of criminal conspiracy, corruption and use of substandard materials in the construction of the apartments. Separately, ex-LG V K Saxena had directed a vigilance department inquiry and initiation of criminal proceedings against the accused officials.The residents, who have shifted to rented accommodations for now, said they are eager for the demolition to begin so that redevelopment can start. “We may be living elsewhere, but returning home is always on our minds,” said Amanendra Kumar Rakesh, president of Signature View RWA.Constructed between 2007 and 2010 and allotted in 2011-12, the apartments began showing structural distress within a few years. A structural audit conducted by IIT-Delhi in 2021-22 recommended immediate evacuation and dismantling of the complex.DDA decided to adopt a conventional floor-by-floor demolition method instead of implosion, citing the poor structural condition of the buildings. Experts said drilling into weak walls to insert explosives could be unsafe. “Given the dense population of the adjoining areas, manual demolition is the safer option,” an official said.On Oct 13, 2025, a joint team of Municipal Corporation of Delhi and DDA disconnected water and power supplies to the apartments after its evacuation deadline, set by Supreme Court on Oct 12, passed.
