News: Five-storey illegal building tilts in DLF 3, 20 residents moved out-23-06-2023
Around 20 residents of a five-storey building in DLF 3 were moved after it tilted on Monday night, possibly because of an excavation on the adjacent plot.
The owner of the building - U-20/8 - has been issued a notice for carrying out constructions in violation of the Haryana Buildings Code, 2017. The owner of the adjacent plot has also been asked to respond for carrying out the excavation work without any architect or engineer at the site.
The building, which tilted somewhat to the right, is now supported by two cranes. On Monday night, the residents initially feared an earthquake when the building started to tilt and its gap with the house on the left increased. Neighbours helped with the evacuation and informed officials of the town and country planning department and the district administration.
While rules allow only two and a half storeys in the area, the owner of the building, Balwant Singh, had constructed the ground plus four floors in violation of the norms.
Rajiv Kumar, a DLF 3 resident, said the foundation of most buildings in the area were just two of three feet below the ground. "Most of these buildings stand on weak foundations. The owner of the adjoining plot was also digging the ground to lay the foundation for his building," he added.
Notices have now been issued to Singh and the owner of the plot, Pawan Yadav. "The building owner has been directed to vacate the building with immediate effect and the plot owner has been directed to stop the work immediately to prevent further damage," district town planner (enforcement) Manish Yadav said.
Yadav said he had written to the higher authorities to demolish the building "in the larger interest of the residents". The notice to Singh read: "It has been come to notice that the existing building has tilted at site therefore property owner is directed to immediately vacate the building and get the building audited by government empanelled structural engineer."
The plot owner was also found to have violated the Building Code. "Also it has come to the notice that excavation has led to tilting of the adjoining building. Therefore he has been directed to stop the excavation work and take all possible precautions to avoid any mishappening," the notice to Yadav read.
Illegal buildings in DLF 3 have been a cause for concern for the DTCP. In September 2021, the DTCP had identified 1,000 buildings that had violated the norms.
It had also recommended the registration of an FIR against 50 property owners in S, U and V blocks. Officials said numerous illegal paying guest accommodations, guesthouses and commercial establishments had come up in the area - particularly in the EWS plots of 60 and 120 square yards. This, according to them, has increased burden on the civic infrastructure and amenities like electricity and water.
