Basements in Delhi are used in many ways, such as for living, for shops or for other commercial purposes. However, there are many rules and regulations regarding the use of the basement, which must be followed.
Recently, many coaching centers were being operated in basements in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi. Out of these, three students drowned due to rain water filling the basement of Rau’s IAS Coaching, who died on the spot. There is an uproar on this issue from the streets to the Parliament and leaders from students to BJP and Aam Aadmi Party are agitating on the streets on this issue. Many security related concerns are being raised in this. After this incident, the Municipal Corporation has decided to strictly enforce the rules of the basement. The district administration in Delhi has become alert and alert and now action will be taken against those running coaching centers in basements.
Criminal Negligence
Basements can be used for commercial use, but there are some rules. MCD i.e. Municipal Corporation of Delhi only approves the building plan, but if someone uses the ‘basement’ for commercial activities after declaring it to be used for parking and storage, then what else does the agency do to ensure safety? Can do?
Use of the basement for commercial purposes is possible only after following strict conditions. According to the rules, the area where the basement is built should be at least one hectare. Gross criminal negligence has been found on the part of the owner of the coaching institute in putting in place security measures, as the library located in the ‘basement’ was being operated illegally and had only one entry and exit gate which was biometric based and had no water supply. It was closed due to.
Changed Delhi 2021 Master Plan
There are strict rules regarding the use and construction of basements in Delhi, the guidelines given under Section 12 of the Delhi Development Act, 1957 regarding the use of basements raise many questions. There were some changes in the Master Plan Delhi 2021, which provided relief to many people in the use of basements, especially coaching centers and other businesses. However, this requires permission and security.
Rules for using the Basement
The basement is mainly used for parking and garage. Basements can be used as builders’ offices, storage of household goods, storage of non-flammable materials, strong rooms of bank cellars, and for air conditioning equipment. Basements can also be used for library stack rooms. The basement can also be used as an air conditioned commercial office.
No living in Basement
Basement cannot be made for residential purpose. There should be adequate ventilation in the basement. Its height should be more than 2.4 meters and there should be one exhaust fan in every 50 square meter area. There should be no entry of surface drainage into the basement. There should be separate entry and exit gates. There should not be a kitchen, toilet and bathroom in any basement.
Violation of rules of Delhi Municipal Corporation Act 1957 may Result in Punishment
- A person or organization violating the rules can be fined.
- Delhi Municipal Corporation can take action against the person or institution violating the rules, such as sealing or demolishing the building.
- A person or entity violating the rules may be fined Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000.
- In serious cases, a person violating the rules can also be jailed, the duration of which can range from 6 months to 3 years.
- This punishment can be imposed under sections 343, 344, 345, and 346 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act 1957.
If you liked this article, then do not forget to share it and leave a comment in the comment section to share your thoughts and feedback.
