NDMC Issues Final Warning: Gole Market's Crumbling Palika Dham Must be Vacated Immediately

The New Delhi Municipal Council on Tuesday declared the Palika Dham complex (Type I quarters) at Gole Market structurally unsafe and directed residents to vacate the premises by March 7. In a public notice issued by its Housing Department, the civic body stated that the decades-old residential complex was in a dilapidated condition and no longer fit for habitation. The order affects both serving and retired government employees residing in the quarters.

According to NDMC officials, a detailed structural assessment found that the buildings, which are over 50 years old, had exceeded their intended lifespan. “The NDMC places the highest priority on the safety and welfare of its employees,” an official said, adding that the advisory was issued to prevent any untoward incident. The council had earlier declared the structures unsafe in July last year and had also issued a notice in September 2024 asking residents to vacate the premises.

The Palika Dham complex comprises at least 149 residential quarters, of which most have already been vacated. However, officials estimate that around 40 families are still living in the complex. The civic body has reiterated that residents must fully vacate the housing units by the stipulated deadline in order to mitigate safety risks posed by the deteriorating structures.

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Residents have acknowledged the structural concerns, citing visible damage within the apartments. One NDMC employee from the health department pointed to a broken window and described how plaster from the ceiling had fallen in her flat last month, injuring a family member. She noted that while living in central Delhi offers convenience, the daily risk posed by weakening ceilings and ageing water tanks causing seepage has become increasingly worrying.

NDMC officials said arrangements are being made to provide affected families with alternative accommodation. The council has assured residents that the new housing units offered will be suitable and more spacious. Authorities emphasised that the relocation exercise is intended as a preventive measure rather than a reactive step following an accident.

The evacuation order underscores the broader challenge of ageing government housing stock in the national capital. With safety concerns mounting and prior warnings already issued, the NDMC has urged the remaining occupants to comply promptly with the directive. Officials maintain that the move is necessary to safeguard lives and prevent potential structural failures in the future.

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