The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is all set for innovations to get its demolition drive on fast track. Among the options it is looking at are low-intensity explosives and chemicals to raze the illegal buildings.
The thinking on the technological makeover comes a week after an exasperated Delhi High Court heard the doomsday picture painted by the court-appointed monitoring committee.
The court committee said, given the MCD's lethargy and the fast pace of illegal construction activity, the city would need at least 263 years to be rid of its unauthorised constructions since 1990.
"We have decided to empanel private firms and contractors who use innovative technology to bring down the structures - either manually, mechanically or chemically," a senior MCD officer said.
The MCD would also bring out an advertisement asking private companies to apply to the MCD within seven days. "Even institutions like the ECIL and other municipalities can apply. There are many private firms all over the country specialising in this work. Even companies involved in mining activity with the relevant expertise are welcome," the officer said.
At present, the MCD has only hammers and ropes to attack the illegal constructions. Bulldozers and gas-cutters are hired temporarily from private contractors for major works involving many properties. The MCD officials say the need for technological innovation has been around for a long time, exemplified by the demolition of buildings like the MG1 and MG2.
{{/usCountry}}At present, the MCD has only hammers and ropes to attack the illegal constructions. Bulldozers and gas-cutters are hired temporarily from private contractors for major works involving many properties. The MCD officials say the need for technological innovation has been around for a long time, exemplified by the demolition of buildings like the MG1 and MG2.
{{/usCountry}}"In case of multi-storeyed structures, it's not possible to raze the building with bulldozers. Also, damage to pillars can topple the building leading to casualties," the officer said. For example, both MG1 and MG2 were declared dangerous after being knocked by bulldozers for several days. Presently they lean precariously over the residents staying nearby.
The MCD now wants faster and innovative ways to bring down the structures. The private companies applying to the MCD would need to submit details of the demolitions they have done in the past.