NDMC begins safety inspection of buildings in Khan Market

The New Delhi Municipal Council has initiated a safety inspection of buildings in the Khan Market area, nearly two months after a building partially collapsed in the location.
"There have been continuous renovation and construction in Khan Market area and it has become structurally unsafe overtime. We are entering each and every building and shop and checking their safety," said NDMC chairperson Jalaj Srivastava.
Safety inspection is the first step in the direction of implementing the Khan Market Redevelopment Plan, which also includes fire safety measures and has been lying in abeyance since 2011.
"A team of NDMC officials will test each and every building in the area before we start the redevelopment project. Measures would be taken if any building bylaw violation is found," Srivastava said.

This comes almost two months after the first floor of a building that was under renovation for famous designer Ritu Kumar partially collapsed which resulted in the second floor caving in and the ground floor, which houses a bank, developing fissures.
One of the major components of the redevelopment plan is fire safety measures which the area is in dire need of.

NDMC in 2011 had allowed commercial activity on first floor which was earlier reserved only for residential purposes. Since then, the restaurants are loading the building by putting heavy water tanks and generator sets there, which according to traders put a lot of pressure on old structures.

The initial fire plan included a metal walkway in the central lane which will help people descend in case there is a fire. But, according to Srivastava, the walkway is not a feasible solution as it will not leave people with enough space to walk in the area.
"So the current fire safety plan is to interconnect everything on the outer periphery so that people can safely make an exit in case of an emergency. We are waiting for the certificate from the CFO. Khan Market Traders Association has agreed in-principle," Srivastava said.
Parking is also a major concern which has time and again proved to be a sore spot in the Khan Market area, considered one of the most expensive retail locations in the country.

Currently 1 acre land is being used for parking which does not cater the parking needs of the area.
"The plan is to expand the parking area. We are also looking at the concept of 'Built Parkway', in which people park their vehicles at a parking near to the location and travel by other modes from there," Srivastava said, adding, this is one of the best ways to decongest Khan Market.