Sanjeev Khirwar Faces Heat Over Delhi Building Collapse

Sanjeev Khirwar, a senior IAS officer, is once again in the spotlight after the deadly collapse of a five-storey building in Delhi's Satya Niketan, which resulted in the deaths of seven people and injured several others.

As the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Khirwar's role has come under scrutiny, with the student organisation ABVP demanding his resignation, alleging lapses in civic oversight.

The latest controversy has revived memories of the 2022 stadium episode, which turned Khirwar into one of the most recognisable names in Delhi's bureaucracy. In May 2022, it was reported that athletes and coaches training at the Delhi government-run Thyagaraj Stadium had allegedly been asked to wrap up their practice by around 7 pm, with the facility subsequently being used by then Delhi Principal Secretary (Revenue) Sanjeev Khirwar to walk his dog.

Khirwar denied that athletes were being forced to leave early because of him, acknowledging that he sometimes took his pet for a walk at the stadium but said it did not interfere with athletes' practice. The stadium administration also disputed the allegation, saying the official training hours ended at 7 pm.

The controversy nevertheless escalated rapidly, with the Delhi government announcing that its sports facilities would remain open until 10 pm, effectively extending the training window available to athletes. The Union Home Ministry subsequently transferred Khirwar to Ladakh, while his wife and fellow 1994-batch IAS officer Rinku Dugga was transferred to Arunachal Pradesh, who was later compulsorily retired by the government.

Khirwar is a 1994-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, with a career spanning more than three decades. He has held several senior administrative positions, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Chandigarh and various administrative roles across Delhi and other Union Territories.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has stated that they do not have exact figures on unauthorized buildings in Delhi, but a regular identification is conducted. In the last three months, 960 demolitions were carried out, and 407 buildings were sealed.

The collapse of the building in Satya Niketan has raised questions about the effectiveness of civic oversight in Delhi, with many calling for greater accountability from officials like Khirwar.

As the investigation into the building collapse continues, Khirwar's role as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be closely watched, with many waiting to see if he will face any consequences for the alleged lapses in civic oversight.

The incident has significant implications for the city of Delhi, highlighting the need for improved civic infrastructure and greater accountability from officials. It also raises questions about the role of IAS officers like Khirwar in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.

In conclusion, the collapse of the building in Satya Niketan has brought Sanjeev Khirwar back into the spotlight, with many calling for his resignation and greater accountability from officials. The incident has significant implications for the city of Delhi and highlights the need for improved civic infrastructure and greater accountability from officials.