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National
Ashok Kumar Jain urges Delhi to overhaul infrastructure, not just regularise colonies
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 10:45 AM
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Urban planner Ashok Kumar Jain warned that Delhi’s recurring building collapses and fires stem from deeper infrastructural flaws, calling for structural reforms rather than mere regularisation of illegal colonies.
Ashok Kumar Jain, a noted urban planning expert, highlighted the urgent need for Delhi to address its structural weaknesses after a series of building collapses and fires in unauthorised constructions claimed lives earlier this year. He argued that the pattern of tragedies points to a systemic failure in the city’s planning and enforcement mechanisms.
The capital houses lakhs of residents in unplanned neighbourhoods where many structures lack proper approvals or safety clearances. These informal settlements have repeatedly become flashpoints for accidents, underscoring the gap between official policies and on‑ground realities.
Jain called for a comprehensive overhaul of Delhi’s urban infrastructure, emphasizing that token regularisation of colonies on paper will not prevent future disasters. He urged authorities to prioritize robust building codes, regular inspections, and the integration of informal areas into a coherent master plan.
He also warned that without decisive action, the city risks further loss of life and mounting economic costs, urging policymakers to shift focus from short‑term fixes to long‑term structural solutions.
The capital houses lakhs of residents in unplanned neighbourhoods where many structures lack proper approvals or safety clearances. These informal settlements have repeatedly become flashpoints for accidents, underscoring the gap between official policies and on‑ground realities.
Jain called for a comprehensive overhaul of Delhi’s urban infrastructure, emphasizing that token regularisation of colonies on paper will not prevent future disasters. He urged authorities to prioritize robust building codes, regular inspections, and the integration of informal areas into a coherent master plan.
He also warned that without decisive action, the city risks further loss of life and mounting economic costs, urging policymakers to shift focus from short‑term fixes to long‑term structural solutions.