Responsibility of stopping illegal construction lies with civic bodies: Delhi government

Dated on: Thursday 24th April 2025

The Delhi government's Home Department has clarified that the responsibility for preventing illegal construction lies with local civic bodies and land-owning agencies, not the Delhi Police. Police are only required to assist during enforcement actions. This advisory follows a tragic building collapse in Mustafabad that killed 11 people, highlighting the dangers of unauthorized construction. The government aims to streamline enforcement and eliminate confusion over roles. Over 55,000 illegal constructions have been identified in recent years, but enforcement remains weak. The advisory urges better accountability, with civic officials facing possible action if they fail to control unauthorized construction in their areas.