Notices to 150 guesthouses in South Delhi for violations

The survey was initiated after the fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, which claimed 17 lives. There, too, a case of violation of civic body rules was seen as, in addition to other structural violations, extra kitchens were being run in the basement and terrace.

A senior South MCD official said during inspection, it was found that guesthouses were running kitchens when only a pantry is allowed for guests; the number of rooms were more than those permitted; and unauthorised construction had been carried out. There were also illegal spas being run in some guesthouses, the official said.

“We have given notices to the hotels but some enjoy immunity under the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, so the civic body cannot act against them as of now,” he said.

Under this Act, unauthorised colonies or buildings that existed as on March 31, 2002, or where construction took place up till February 8, 2007, are protected from action till 2020. In such cases, local authorities cannot act against encroachment or unauthorised development.

Leader of the house Kamaljeet Shehrawat said the SDMC has formed a revised health trade policy, which has some strict measures to deal with the issue and will be notified soon. Standing committee chairperson Shikha Rai said more checks and balances will be introduced in the health trade licence: “Physical verification will also be increased.”