Another demolition, similar to that of Noida’s Twin Tower, is on its way. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has set in motion preparations for the demolition of the ‘Signature View Apartments,’ a multi-storey complex located in Mukherjee Nagar, North-West Delhi. According to official documents, DDA has decided to engage a consultant firm for this challenging task and has issued an e-tender notice to solicit proposals from eligible applicants.
The ‘Signature View Apartments’ were constructed between 2007 and 2009 and comprise a total of 336 flats, encompassing both the High-Income Group (HIG) and Middle-Income Group (MIG) categories. Unfortunately, the complex soon encountered structural issues, prompting residents to lodge complaints with the DDA. A study conducted in 2021-2022 by IIT-Delhi, under the directive of the DDA, raised serious concerns about the building’s safety and structural integrity.
DDA has set an ambitious target to completely evacuate the ‘Signature View Apartments’ by November 30. In September of this year, DDA reached an agreement with the residents and provided them until October 15 to sign the necessary documents. Subsequently, residents were given 45 days to vacate the ‘Signature View Apartments.’ After November 30, DDA will discontinue all services, including electricity and maintenance, in the complex.
The e-tender notice issued by DDA reads, “Proposals are invited from eligible applicants for the engagement of a consultant for the demolition of Signature View Apartments, a multi-storey complex in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi, through e-tender (online bidding). This also includes the cleaning and recycling of debris following demolition.” In the notice, DDA specifies its requirement for a consultant firm with a minimum of 20 years of experience in demolishing structures, employing techniques such as high-rise excavators, explosives, diamond-cutting methods, and more.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) document outlines that the consultant’s appointment will span six months: one month before demolition and five months during the demolition and disposal/recycling of debris. DDA retains the option to extend the consultant’s appointment if necessary. It is also noted that DDA may cancel the consultant’s engagement by providing at least 30 days’ notice.
To address potential bidders’ inquiries regarding the e-tender notice, a pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 6 at Vikas Minar, located near ITO.
Notably, residents of ‘Signature View Apartments’ had previously advocated for a change in the 100 per cent evacuation clause to a 75 per cent mandate. This adjustment would enable individuals relocating to temporary accommodation to start receiving rent from the agency.
The consultant firm appointed by DDA will play a crucial role in planning the demolition process for the ‘Signature View Apartments.’ This will include providing a detailed proposal on how to safely dismantle the apartment, recycling and reusing the debris for construction, estimating the cost of demolition and debris disposal, implementing measures to prevent air pollution during demolition, and safeguarding neighbouring buildings. Additionally, the consultant will assist DDA in obtaining necessary permissions from relevant departments for the demolition. The deadline for submitting proposals to become a consultant for DDA in this demolition endeavour is November 15. The process marks a significant development in addressing the complex challenges surrounding ‘Signature View Apartments’ and the associated safety concerns.
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