Structural safety: BJP against govt

The BJP-led MCD on Monday opposed the Delhi Government's directions on sale and registration of properties in the city.

The BJP-led MCD on Monday opposed the Delhi Government's directions on sale and registration of properties in the city.

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As per the new directions, issued last week, the Delhi Government had introduced a new clause making it mandatory for property owners to furnish a structural safety certificate for the sale of their properties.

While the government has authorised the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to issue such certificates, the MCD does not have any structural engineers who can inspect the buildings and issue the certificates.

The MCD's Standing Committee on Monday passed a resolution asking the government to withdraw its order. Yogender Chandolia, chairman, Standing Committee, has asked the municipal Commissioner to inform the Delhi government about it.

"MCD is not in a position to give structural safety certificates as it has no structural engineers. MCD gets a fee of all sale of properties and by putting in the new clause, the government is not only increasing the problems of property buyers and sellers but it is also creating a loss of revenue for us," said Chandolia.

He further added that there is a huge shortage of structural engineers in the city.

"Issuing such a certificate is a difficult job for us in a city where half the buildings are in unauthorised colonies and were built without sanctioned plans. Then, there are the old buildings built by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that do not have any such certificates. Houses in old parts of the city such as Chandni Chowk and Paharganj were built on plots but even they were built without their building plans being sanctioned," added Chandolia.

According to officials, due to the new clause, for the past one week, no properties have been registered as people going to the registry office are being turned back and are being asked to get the certificate. "This is a serious issue that affects a large number of people and the Delhi Government should remove the clause as soon as possible," added Chandolia.

MCD commissioner KS Mehra has also been asked to submit a report on the number of applications the civic agency has received for the structural safety certificates.