New Delhi: MCD Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma has directed deputy commissioners to survey dilapidated and unsafe buildings across their zones, regularly review their condition and take time-bound action under the prescribed rules wherever required.
The directions came at a Standing Committee meeting where councillors raised concerns over sanitation, staff shortages, illegal play schools, road encroachments, stray animals, parks and other civic amenities. Sharma said there should be no negligence on matters concerning public safety.
Unsafe buildings to be reviewed regularly
Deputy commissioners were asked to identify unsafe and dilapidated structures in their respective zones and ensure regular assessment of their condition. The committee’s directions link the survey with necessary action under the applicable procedures, rather than stopping at an inventory of buildings.
MCD said several public-interest proposals were passed during the meeting. The release did not specify their individual details. Councillors from both the ruling and opposition benches were given an opportunity to raise local concerns and suggestions.
Zonal officers accountable for pending civic issues
Sharma directed deputy commissioners to resolve issues raised by public representatives on priority at the zonal level, so that even minor matters do not have to be brought before the Standing Committee. Officials were asked to act within a stipulated timeframe and keep councillors informed of the action taken.
She said accountability would be fixed if public-interest issues remained unresolved or were unnecessarily kept pending. Departments were also told to regularly review progress on the matters raised at the meeting.
Sanitation workforce assessment ordered
Officials were directed to prepare zone-wise lists of regular and temporary or contractual sanitation workers. The exercise is intended to establish the number of workers available in different areas and identify shortages so that deployment can be strengthened where required.
Sharma also called for regular monitoring of sanitation arrangements and effective deployment of workers according to local needs.
Alternative parking arrangements to be considered
A public representative raised the closure of a parking facility that had operated in an area for a long time. The meeting stressed that decisions on such facilities should take local traffic conditions, public convenience and the area’s requirements into account.
If an existing parking facility has to be discontinued, the possibility of an alternative arrangement should be considered to avoid adversely affecting traffic management. Any procedural and tender-related action must follow the prescribed rules, the release said.
Sharma said the committee’s role extended beyond passing proposals to ensuring effective and timely action on issues affecting residents, including sanitation, public health, safety, encroachments, parks and civic amenities.
