Delhi L-G Sandhu reviews MCD monsoon prep, orders crackdown on illegal structures
Synopsis
Days after two deadly building collapses in Delhi, L-G Taranjit Singh Sandhu has ordered the MCD to enforce building bylaws on a time-bound footing, fast-track stormwater drain desilting before the monsoon, and accelerate PM-UDAY for unauthorised colonies — a sharp top-down push on a civic body long criticised for slow delivery.
Key Takeaways
Delhi L-G Taranjit Singh Sandhu chaired a high-level MCD review meeting on 3 June .
He directed a time-bound strategy against unauthorised constructions and strict enforcement of building bylaws.
Focus on desilting of stormwater drains , road repairs and intensified sanitation ahead of the monsoon.
Officials asked to expedite the PM-UDAY scheme for residents of unauthorised colonies.
Meeting follows two recent Delhi building collapses that killed several and injured dozens.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on 3 June chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in New Delhi, directing a time-bound action plan on structural safety, monsoon preparedness, and civic infrastructure across the capital. The meeting came against the backdrop of two recent building collapses in the city that left several dead and dozens injured.
Key directives to the MCD
The L-G pressed for strict enforcement of building bylaws to curb illegal structural expansions and asked the civic body to roll out a time-bound strategy against unauthorised constructions. ‘Emphasised strict enforcement of building bylaws to curb illegal structural expansions and directed the MCD to implement a time-bound strategy to tackle unauthorised constructions decisively,’ Sandhu said in a post on X.
Monsoon readiness in focus
With the southwest monsoon advancing across North India, the meeting placed particular emphasis on desilting of stormwater drains to prevent waterlogging — a recurring grievance for Delhi commuters and residents every season. Road and pavement repairs for dust mitigation and intensified garbage clearance were also flagged as priorities to strengthen sanitation standards.
PM-UDAY and park revival on the agenda
Sandhu urged officials to accelerate the Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY), which extends ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies. The meeting also explored a participatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework for the rejuvenation of public parks across the capital.
Why it matters
Delhi has logged repeated structural failures during the pre-monsoon window in recent years, and waterlogging continues to paralyse parts of the city each July. The L-G's intervention signals a tighter top-down push on enforcement at a time when the MCD has been under scrutiny over civic delivery. ‘Guided by Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of inclusive development, our commitment remains to provide every Delhi resident with a safe, planned, clean, and dignified living environment,’ Sandhu added.
What's next
The MCD is expected to operationalise the time-bound enforcement strategy on unauthorised constructions in the coming weeks, with monsoon-readiness audits of drains and roads to follow. Progress on PM-UDAY rollout and the CSR-led parks framework is likely to be reviewed in subsequent meetings.
Point of View
Stern words on illegal constructions, and PM-UDAY promises that have moved slower than political timelines suggest. The real test is whether the MCD, structurally hobbled by years of jurisdictional tussles between the Centre, the L-G and the elected city government, can deliver on a time-bound enforcement plan before the first heavy spell. Past collapses have repeatedly traced back to unauthorised vertical expansions the civic body knew about; accountability for inspection failures, not just fresh directives, is what will move the needle.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Delhi L-G Taranjit Singh Sandhu direct the MCD to do?
L-G Sandhu directed the MCD to enforce building bylaws strictly, implement a time-bound strategy against unauthorised constructions, desilt stormwater drains ahead of the monsoon, repair roads for dust mitigation, and intensify garbage clearance. He also asked officials to fast-track the PM-UDAY scheme and finalise a CSR framework for park rejuvenation.
Why was the MCD review meeting called now?
The meeting comes against the backdrop of two recent building collapses in Delhi that claimed several lives and injured dozens, and ahead of the approaching monsoon in North India. It aims to tighten structural safety enforcement and prevent waterlogging.
What is the PM-UDAY scheme mentioned in the meeting?
PM-UDAY, or the Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana, grants ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies in the capital. The L-G asked officials to accelerate its rollout.
How will Delhi prepare for the 2025 monsoon?
The MCD has been asked to prioritise desilting of stormwater drains, repair roads and pavements to mitigate dust, and strengthen sanitation through intensified garbage clearance. These steps target the city's recurring waterlogging and civic complaints during the monsoon.
Who is Taranjit Singh Sandhu?
Taranjit Singh Sandhu is the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and chaired the high-level MCD review on 3 June. A former Indian diplomat, he now oversees urban governance coordination with the civic body in the national capital.
