Delhi to demolish building beside Satya Niketan collapse site; PG safety rules planned

The building next to the Satya Niketan PG collapse site is likely to be demolished on Wednesday, after officials ordered action against unsafe and dilapidated structures in the area.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi Fire Service personnel were systematically removing students’ belongings from the neighbouring building. After visiting injured students at AIIMS, Gupta said the Delhi government would bear their treatment costs. She also said the building owner had been arrested and that those found responsible would face action.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been directed to inspect PGs and hostels across the city for permissions, building safety, fire compliance and structural-stability certificates.

Urban development minister Ashish Sood said Delhi plans to introduce a comprehensive PG policy in about one to two months. The proposed Paying Guest Accommodation Regulation and Safety Bill, 2026, would require licences for operators and could set zone-wise rent bands, mandate structural and fire-safety audits, and create a central portal of PG accommodation. Students also flagged opaque rents and meal plans, disputed electricity charges and rental agreements that landlords do not honour.

The government is examining ways to make tenancy agreements enforceable and considering vacant government buildings, including in Narela, for student housing.