Balconies collapse in Dwarka DDA flats, no one hurt

According to the RWA, the society was constructed in 1997-98 by DDA. They said residents of the flats had a narrow escape.

Balconies of two flats in a residential complex developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in Dwarka Sector 4, collapsed on Sunday evening.

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While no one was hurt, the residents’ welfare association blamed the DDA for poor design and construction.

According to the RWA, the society was constructed in 1997-98 by DDA. They said residents of the flats had a narrow escape.

Arvind Rudhra, secretary of the RWA, said a first-floor balcony collapsed on the ground floor after a second floor balcony fell on it. “Thankfully, the residents were not in the balcony when the incident took place,” said Rudhra.

The RWA filed a complaint with DDA and Delhi Police regarding poor construction.

A DDA official said the residential complex is not covered under its 30-year maintenance policy. “The maintenance of these flats is with the RWA. These are not covered under our 30-year maintenance policy. These flats were constructed in 1997 -98. No such complaint was received in the past,” said a DDA official.

The society has 228 flats of which 140 are two-bedroom flats. The building where the accident took place has three-bedroom flats.

Residents say it is not a maintenance issue but a structural flaw. “This is nothing but a major design and construction flaw. These houses are not very old. How can the entire balcony collapse?” said Rudhra.

A team of DDA officials visited the site on Monday evening. But RWA members said they had not ordered any action or asked anyone to clear the debris.