Archive · 24 Sep 2026
DDA Orders Mandatory Safety Audits for Delhi’s Older High-Rise Buildings
The Delhi Development Authority wants older buildings to be checked for safety.
The rule applies to buildings at least 15 metres tall that were approved before March 21, 2001.
Some shorter buildings must also be checked if many people use them.
These include hospitals, schools, group housing and other institutional buildings.
Owners have three months to arrange the inspection.
Delhi faces earthquake risks because it is near the Himalayas.
The order also follows recent building collapses, including one in Satya Niketan.
If problems are found, owners must repair or strengthen the buildings.
Owners who do not follow the order may face action.
The Delhi Development Authority ordered mandatory structural audits for high-rise buildings 15 metres or taller sanctioned before March 21, 2001.
Owners must complete the audits within three months, according to a public notice issued Thursday.
Older buildings under 15 metres with high footfall, including hospitals, schools and group housing, are also covered.
The order cites building collapses, including the Satya Niketan incident that killed seven people, and earthquake risks.
Owners must undertake retrofitting or corrective work after the audit, with action threatened for non-compliance.
- Who
- The Delhi Development Authority and owners of covered buildings.
- What
- A mandatory structural safety audit, followed by any required retrofitting or corrective measures.
- When
- The notice was issued Thursday; audits must be completed within three months.
- Where
- Delhi, including covered high-rise, hospital, educational, institutional and group-housing buildings.
- Why
- Because of recent building collapses and concerns about earthquake-related structural safety.
- Issuing authority
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
- Covered high-rises
- Buildings 15 metres or taller sanctioned before March 21, 2001
- Additional covered buildings
- Shorter buildings with high footfall, including group housing, educational buildings, hospitals and institutional buildings
- Audit deadline
- Within three months
- Follow-up action
- Retrofitting and corrective measures must be carried out by owners
- Earthquake context
- Delhi is in seismic Zone IV, described as having fairly high seismicity
- Recent collapse cited
- A building collapse in Satya Niketan killed seven people