Following the tragic deaths of three students at a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar due to severe waterlogging, Delhi Minister Atishi addressed the issue on Wednesday. She shared that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had received an interim inquiry report.
This report indicated that the primary cause of the waterlogging was a drain encroached upon by various coaching centres. Furthermore, it revealed that the library set up in the coaching centre's basement was illegal.
Atishi explained that the preliminary inquiry report highlighted two significant issues. Firstly, the drain in the area, which should have managed the water, was blocked by the encroaching coaching centres, preventing proper drainage.
Secondly, the coaching centres were illegally using their basements for classes and libraries. The building department had only permitted these basements to be used for storage or parking. She mentioned that a more detailed report would be available within seven days.
The MCD began its investigation based on this initial report. As a result, the junior engineer responsible for overseeing the drain and ensuring there was no encroachment has been permanently terminated.
Additionally, the assistant engineer, who was supposed to check the functioning of the drains and adherence to regulations, has been suspended. It was his duty to ensure that rules were being followed, and his failure to do so led to his suspension. Both officers will be further investigated.
Atishi stated that once the magisterial report is completed in six days, strict action will be taken against those found responsible. In response to the findings of drain encroachment and resulting waterlogging, Mayor Shailey Oberoi ordered the demolition of all coaching centres that had encroached on the drains.
In addition, Atishi mentioned that 30 coaching centres in areas like Rajendra Nagar, Preet Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, and Mukherjee Nagar have been sealed for illegally setting up libraries in their basements. Among these are the Drishti IAS Centre and Sanskruti Academy. Notices have also been sent to 200 other institutes for similar violations.
Mayor Shelly Oberoi addressed the students' concerns, promising that their demands would be heard, and a meeting would be scheduled soon. She expressed condolences to the families of the deceased students and emphasised that the incident revealed only one entry and exit route in the coaching centre's basement, a significant safety hazard.
Oberoi assured that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) would follow any new regulations passed in the Delhi Assembly. She committed to a comprehensive basement drive and promised strict actions against those found guilty of violations. She emphasized that no negligence would be tolerated in the future to ensure the safety and compliance of all coaching centres in Delhi.
Follow us
