New Delhi, July 29, 2024 — In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of three students in a waterlogged basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sealed the basements of 13 other civil service coaching centres across the city. The crackdown followed intense protests from students demanding justice and government action against the illegal use of basements.
Incident Details
The tragedy unfolded at Rau’s IAS coaching centre on Saturday evening. At around 6:35 pm, rainwater began to flood the basement, which was being improperly used as a library. The basement, originally designated as a parking and storage area according to the building plan submitted for the No-Objection Certificate (NOC), trapped numerous students inside as it filled with water.
Out of the approximately 30 students present, 12 to 14 were rescued and taken to the hospital, while others managed to escape. Sadly, three students lost their lives due to being trapped in the flooded basement.
Emergency Response
The authorities received a distress call around 7:10 pm. Police and fire department officials immediately responded, and efforts were made to pump out the water from the basement. Due to the severity of the situation, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in to assist, particularly to provide divers needed for the rescue operation.
Government Action
In response to the mounting pressure from protesting students and the public, the MCD took swift action to seal the basements of 13 other civil service coaching centres found to be in violation of safety regulations. The misuse of these basements, initially approved for parking and storage, underscores the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and safety standards.
Protests and Demands
Students have been vocal in their demand for accountability and justice, urging the government to take stringent action against those responsible for the illegal modifications and the resultant hazardous conditions. The protests highlight broader concerns about safety standards in educational institutions, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Moving Forward
The tragedy has sparked a call for comprehensive reviews and stricter oversight of coaching centres and other educational facilities to ensure adherence to safety regulations. The Delhi government and the MCD have pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the city mourns the loss of young lives, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of stringent safety standards and vigilant enforcement to protect students and other vulnerable populations.
