The Centre is considering the introduction of durability certificates for buildings as concerns over unsafe construction practices and structural safety continue to grow across the country.Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said the proposal is being examined in response to recent incidents involving unsafe buildings, including cases where courts have ordered demolitions after structures were found unfit for occupation.The minister also encouraged builders to voluntarily adopt such certification measures to improve construction standards and enhance public safety.What Is a Building Durability Certificate?A durability certificate would aim to assess whether a building meets safety and structural standards over a specified period. While details of the proposed system are yet to be announced, the idea is expected to focus on construction quality, structural stability and long-term safety.Officials believe such a measure could help identify risks earlier and encourage better building practices across the real estate sector.Why Is the Government Considering Durability Certificates?The proposal comes amid increasing scrutiny of building safety and unauthorised construction activities in several parts of India. Concerns have intensified following multiple incidents involving unsafe structures, prompting calls for stronger oversight and stricter compliance with building regulations.Authorities are looking at ways to improve accountability and ensure that buildings remain safe for residents and occupants.Delhi Building Collapse Brings Construction Safety Into FocusBuilding safety received renewed attention after the collapse of an allegedly illegally constructed five-storey building in Delhi's Saidulajab area on May 30. The incident claimed six lives and left at least 14 people injured.Following the collapse, a court-appointed amicus curiae approached the Supreme Court seeking directions related to illegal and unauthorised constructions in the national capital.Among the requests was a demand for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to provide details of surveys conducted and actions taken against unauthorised structures.Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Illegal ConstructionsThe issue has also been under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. Earlier this year, a bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan expressed concern over what it described as widespread violations of building regulations.While hearing a case from Tamil Nadu, the bench reportedly questioned the effectiveness of local authorities in tackling unauthorised constructions and enforcing planning rules.The court also ordered a nationwide inquiry into the misuse of residential properties and illegal land-use conversions.Allahabad High Court Ordered Demolition of Unsafe Varanasi BuildingConcerns about ageing and unsafe structures have not been limited to Delhi. In March, the Allahabad High Court directed the evacuation of tenants from a dilapidated building in Varanasi after part of the structure collapsed earlier in the year.The court subsequently ordered the building's demolition, highlighting the risks posed by neglected and structurally weak properties.How Durability Certificates Could Improve Building SafetyAs per the TOI report, durability certificates could encourage developers and property owners to pay greater attention to construction quality and maintenance.Such certificates may also help buyers and tenants make more informed decisions by providing greater transparency about a building's condition.If implemented, the system could become an important tool in strengthening safety standards and reducing the risks associated with unsafe structures.Building Safety Regulations Under Increased ScrutinyWith courts, government agencies and local authorities increasingly focused on building safety, the discussion around durability certificates is likely to gain momentum. As urban areas continue to expand, ensuring that buildings meet safety standards is expected to remain a key policy priority.The government's proposal reflects broader efforts to improve construction quality, address unauthorised developments and enhance public safety across India's cities and towns.Inputs from TOI