-Rekha Gupta Reviews Rescue Operations, Warns of Strict Action Against Negligence and Illegal Constructions

NEW DELHI, May 31 (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday visited the site of the building collapse near Saket Metro Station in South Delhi, where a five-storey structure had collapsed, and reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations. After assessing the situation on the ground and receiving a detailed briefing from officials, she ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

The Chief Minister was informed about the joint rescue operation being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, district administration, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Civil Defence, and other concerned agencies.

She directed officials to ensure that no laxity is shown in the rescue effort and instructed them to continue the search for any potentially trapped individuals with the utmost seriousness, urgency, and sensitivity.

Rekha Gupta also reviewed the condition of the injured persons undergoing treatment at various hospitals. She met affected family members and offered her condolences and support, assuring them that every possible financial and administrative assistance would be extended by the government.

Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, a criminal case has been registered at Mehrauli Police Station. Simultaneously, a magisterial inquiry headed by the District Magistrate of South Delhi has been ordered to determine the actual cause of the collapse and fix responsibility for the incident.

Emphasizing that citizens’ safety remains the government's highest priority, the Chief Minister stated that negligence of any kind would not be tolerated. She instructed the concerned departments to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the reasons behind the building collapse.

She further said that if any construction-related irregularities, violations of safety norms, or administrative negligence are found during the inquiry, strict action would be taken against all responsible individuals.

The Chief Minister also directed authorities to immediately conduct a survey and inspection of dilapidated, dangerous, and unauthorized buildings in Saidulajab and adjoining areas.

She stressed that strict action must be taken, in accordance with existing regulations, against structures that pose a threat to public safety so that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

Warning officials against negligence, Rekha Gupta said accountability would also be fixed for officers found to have protected unauthorized constructions or failed to discharge their responsibilities properly. She made it clear that any official found guilty would face stringent disciplinary and legal action.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination until the rescue operation and subsequent investigation are fully completed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar