The Hindu 09.11.2013
NDMC to check all buildings in Khan Market
The New Delhi Municipal Council has initiated a safety inspection of buildings in the Khan Market area, nearly two months after a building partially collapsed in the location.
“There have been continuous renovation and construction in the Khan Market area and it has become structurally unsafe overtime. We are entering each and every building and shop and checking their safety,” said NDMC chairperson Jalaj Srivastava.
Safety inspection is the first step in the direction of implementing the Khan Market Redevelopment Plan, which also includes fire safety measures and has been lying in abeyance since 2011.
“A team of NDMC officials will test each and every building in the area before we start the redevelopment project. Measures would be taken if any building by-law violation is found,” Mr. Srivastava said.
This comes almost two months after the first floor of an under-renovation building for designer Ritu Kumar partially collapsed which resulted in the second floor caving in and the ground floor, which houses a bank, developing fissures.
One of the major components of the redevelopment plan is fire safety measures. The NDMC in 2011 had allowed commercial activity on the first floor which was earlier reserved only for residential purposes. Since then, the restaurants are loading the building by putting heavy water tanks and generator sets there, which according to traders, put a lot of pressure on old structures.
The initial fire plan included a metal walkway in the central lane to help people descend in case of a fire. But, according to Mr. Srivastava, the walkway is not feasible as it will not leave enough space for people to walk in the area.
Parking is also a major concern which has time and again proved to be a sore spot in the area. Currently one acre land is being used for parking which does not cater to the parking needs of the area.
“The plan is to expand the parking area. We are also looking at the concept of ‘Built Parkway’, in which people park their vehicles at a parking near the location and travel by other modes from there,” Mr. Srivastava said. This is one of the best ways to decongest Khan Market, he added.
