2 days later, residents move back in

Residents of Chandni Mahal have moved back into their place of residence, two days after their lives changed forever. They have little choice but to live in a building termed as "dangerous".

Residents of Chandni Mahal have moved back into their place of residence, two days after their lives changed forever. They have little choice but to live in a building termed as "dangerous".

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On Tuesday, rescue teams had asked residents of nearby buildings to vacate the house, fearing collapse.

"We were born in this house and will die here. We don't have another option," said Najmuddin, a resident of plot number 837. Arshad, Najmuddin's 40-year-old nephew, died in the building collapse. Most residents of the area have lived here for ages and seen drastic changes in recent times. "The builders have ruined the area by turning every plot into multi-storey buildings. Our lives are at risk because they carry out illegal construction," said Mohammad Shahid, who lives on the first floor of plot number 837.

But those who can, are planning to move out of the area after selling their plots. "There is danger everywhere. I have seen illegal buildings coming up around my house. If any of these falls, I will be affected. I am looking for a buyer," said Imran, who lives in a portion of plot number 833, which collapsed on Tuesday night.

On Thursday, MCD declared five more buildings "dangerous" but as their residents have nowhere else to go, they stay on.