The MCD is now mulling over the possibility of “banning the basements” in the buildings close to the Yamuna banks, following the problem of their flooding, which is believed to be one of the major reasons for the Lalita Park incident. However, well aware that it is not allowed, it appears that the builders in alleged collusion with the MCD officials have openly flouted the laws and at least 70 to 80 per cent of the buildings have basements.
Talking to this newspaper, MCD standing committee chairman Yogender Chandolia confirmed that the basements are not allowed in such areas. The flooding of the basement through seepage of sub-soil is always a risk in areas close to the bed. “We aware awaiting the report on the Lalita Park incident and the survey that is being carried out to check structural safety. After that, we will have to think in terms of banning construction of basements and also taking action against those who violated the norms,” said Mr Chandolia.
However, on the ground, the situation is completely different. Put the question to the residents and there are a variety of responses. “It has to be legal. Otherwise, how can so many buildings in the area have basement?” asks Arun Malhotra, owner of a cloth shop in Ramesh Park, adjacent to Lalita Park where the collapse occurred.
Bang opposite his shop, the supervisor of a new building being constructed, with basement, feigned ignorance about whether it was legal or illegal. But a board prominently declared that the construction of the house was being done “with the permission of the MCD”. Local residents allege that this was the “modus operandi” of all those who construct the basements.