How Saidulajab, Hauz Rani became death traps as civic officials ignored Delhi housing crisis

Delhi’s housing crisis is no longer just an urban planning issue—it is becoming a public safety emergency. In Part 2 of Hindustan Times’ special series, we examine how unplanned growth, unauthorized colonies, weak enforcement, and unchecked commercialization have transformed parts of the capital into potential death traps. From the Hauz Rani fire that killed 23 people to the Saidulajab building collapse, this report traces the human cost of decades of policy failures. Through the story of migrant worker Tahir Khan, we explore why millions of Delhi residents continue to live and work in unsafe conditions.