Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Inspects Satya Niketan Building Collapse Site, Sirsa Says "Accountability Will Be Fixed"

Rescue Operation Complicated By Adjacent Structure

Sirsa said the rescue operation was challenging as the adjacent building was also a pillar-less structure, around 40 to 50 years old and not in good condition. "Temporary columns have been installed to strengthen the building while rescue efforts continue," he said.

MCD Mayor Pravesh Wahi, also speaking to reporters, said the rescue operation was currently underway and that the foremost priority was ensuring the safe evacuation of anyone still trapped inside.

Fire Department's Response Timeline

Delhi Fire Officer Abhilash Kumar Malik told IANS that the fire department received a call about the building collapse at around 1:33 p.m. on Sunday and initiated its response within a minute.

"Yesterday at 13:33, we received a call reporting a building collapse. By 13:34, we initiated the initial turnout. After that, when our first responders reached the scene, they informed us about the situation and indicated that a significant number of people might be trapped underneath. Accordingly, we upgraded our response category," Malik said.

He added that 12 fire tenders were deployed, and rescue operations have continued since. "So far, we have pulled out around 12 people. We have now reached near the basement slab, and we expect to clear the basement as well by this evening," Malik said.

He noted that eyewitnesses had indicated renovation or construction work was underway in the basement, raising the possibility that labourers could be trapped there. "Therefore, there is a possibility that some labourers might be in the basement, so that possibility remains," Malik said.

Traffic Diverted Near Incident Site

The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory following the collapse at Satya Niketan Market in the South Campus area, noting that traffic movement has been affected on routes from Safdarjung Hospital towards Dhaula Kuan, RTR and Benito Juarez Marg.

Commuters have been advised to avoid these stretches where possible and use alternative routes while following traffic personnel's directions. The police also urged people not to stop, park vehicles or gather near the site, stressing that clear access must be maintained for ambulances and rescue vehicles.

Adjacent Building Ordered For Demolition

Separately, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued a demolition order under Section 348 of the DMC Act for House No. 13 in Satya Niketan, declaring the property dangerous and ruinous.

According to the notice issued on September 6, the owner or occupier has been directed to demolish the property within three days of receiving the order. The MCD warned that if the order is not complied with, it will carry out the demolition itself and recover the expenses as arrears of property tax.