The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has issued an urgent directive asking residents of the Palika Dham Complex in central Delhi to vacate the premises by March 7, 2026, after the housing complex was declared structurally unsafe following a recent assessment.
Located near the prominent Gole Market area, the residential complex consists of Type-I government quarters primarily allotted to NDMC employees, both serving and retired. Authorities say the buildings have deteriorated significantly over time, posing serious risks to residents.
Structural Concerns and Safety Risks
According to NDMC officials, the Palika Dham housing blocks—constructed in the 1970s—have now exceeded their structural lifespan of more than five decades. A detailed structural evaluation found the buildings to be in a dilapidated condition and unsafe for habitation.
The civic body warned that continuing to live in the complex could lead to accidents or structural failure, prompting the authority to issue a public notice urging immediate evacuation.
Officials said the decision was taken primarily to prevent potential loss of life or injuries, as parts of the buildings have already begun showing signs of severe deterioration such as falling plaster, seepage, and weakened ceilings.
Number of Homes and Residents Affected
The complex comprises around 149 residential quarters, many of which have already been vacated following earlier notices issued by the council. However, around 40 families were still residing in the complex at the time of the latest order, prompting NDMC to issue a final evacuation deadline.
Many residents are government employees who originally received the housing allotment through official lotteries conducted by NDMC.
Earlier Notices and Delayed Evacuation
The civic body had previously issued multiple notices, including one in July 2025, declaring the buildings unsafe and urging residents to vacate. Another notice followed in September 2025, but the evacuation process remained incomplete as several occupants continued to stay in the complex.
The latest order now sets March 7 as the final deadline, with authorities urging residents to cooperate with the administration to ensure their safety.
Alternative Housing Arrangements
NDMC has stated that it is making arrangements to relocate affected residents to alternative accommodation, including other government housing units. Officials have also encouraged residents to register for alternate quarters through the council’s housing allocation system.
The council maintains that the relocation process is intended to provide safer and potentially more spacious housing options for displaced families.
Residents Raise Concerns
While some residents acknowledge the structural risks, others have raised concerns about displacement and the uncertainty surrounding relocation. Some occupants believe the buildings could be repaired instead of evacuated, pointing to the inconvenience of shifting families and relocating children from nearby schools.
Residents have also cited maintenance issues such as broken plumbing lines, leaking water tanks, and falling plaster, which they say have worsened over the years.
Future of the Complex
Urban development observers believe the evacuation could pave the way for redevelopment or reconstruction of the Palika Dham housing complex in the future. However, NDMC has not yet formally announced any redevelopment plans.
For now, the authority has reiterated that public safety remains the primary concern, and residents must vacate the premises before the March 7 deadline.
.png)