Since 2014, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been considering taking down illegal buildings in unauthorized areas of the city. This action was prompted by a tragic event where three UPSC exam students died when a basement in a coaching center in Rajendra Nagar flooded.

The High Court asked the MCD to report on illegal buildings and what actions have been taken against them. The MCD is gathering data on these illegal constructions, which will soon be reviewed by the High Court, which might make an important decision.

The Delhi Special Provisions Act offers protection to illegal buildings constructed before certain dates: up to February 8, 2007, in regular colonies and up to June 1, 2014, in rural and unauthorized colonies. Buildings constructed after these dates could face legal action.

The MCD has instructed its 12 zonal offices to report on illegal constructions from February 8, 2007, to August 5, 2024. This report will include information on property owners and the current status of these buildings. By August 19, all zones had to submit this information to the MCD headquarters.

Experts estimate that there are about 1 million illegal properties in Delhi, especially in unauthorized areas, built after June 2014. When the MCD presents this information, the High Court may ask for a detailed action report.

The recent flooding in a coaching center basement, where three students died, has highlighted the dangers of illegal constructions and has increased scrutiny on these buildings in Delhi.