On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar delivered a crucial report to Delhi Water Minister Atishi regarding the tragic incident in Old Rajinder Nagar. The report, compiled by Superintending Engineer Ajay Kumar Nagpal, outlines the factors contributing to the recent tragedy where three UPSC aspirants drowned in the basement of a coaching centre during a flood.
The report highlights that the area in question is designated as a commercial street under the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD). This designation has led to numerous properties being converted into commercial spaces, with many owners constructing ramps across their plots. These ramps have unfortunately obstructed the stormwater drainage system, preventing proper water flow during heavy rains.
Moreover, the report notes that property owners have covered existing drainage systems with materials like granite, marble, or kota stones. These coverings have sealed the manhole openings, making it impossible to clean the drains effectively. Consequently, during rain, the drainage system fails to handle the water flow, exacerbating the flooding situation.
The report describes the road profile from Shankar Road to Pusa Road as saucer-shaped, with the lowest point situated in front of Rau’s IAS Coaching Institute. This design causes water to pool in this 200-foot stretch during heavy rains.
Vehicles passing through the area further contribute to the problem by causing splashes that worsen the flooding. Additionally, the plinth level of the coaching institute’s property is lower than that of adjacent properties, which means that during intense rainfall, water accumulates in this lower area.
The report also points out that the coaching centre's parking area is directly exposed to the road. This exposure means that during heavy rains, water enters the parking area instead of being diverted to the stormwater drain. Unlike other properties, which have built barrier walls to prevent water ingress, this coaching centre did not implement any protective measures.
Another critical observation made in the report is the lack of vigilance by the security staff. The absence of proper monitoring allowed water to flow uninterrupted into the basement, where the students were trapped.
The basement, which was used for purposes beyond storage, was filled with workstations and cubicles. This setup violated the basement usage norms specified in the MPD-2021 and UBB-216.
The report further reveals that on the evening of July 27, 2024, heavy rainfall led to the basement filling up completely with water. The biometric access control system installed at the entrance of the basement prevented the students from exiting, resulting in their unfortunate deaths.
To address the incident, the report mentions that the Assistant Engineer responsible for maintaining the drainage system in the area has been suspended, and the services of the Junior Engineer have been terminated. Additionally, the Executive Engineer has been asked to explain the incident. The exact cause of the excess water cannot be pinpointed solely by the Building Department, as multiple factors might have contributed to the flooding.
Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar also mentioned that the District Magistrate is expected to submit a detailed Magisterial Inquiry Report soon. In light of this incident, he has requested Minister Atishi to issue necessary directions concerning pending reports and files, including the one dated March 15, 2024.
In response to the tragedy, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken action by issuing notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary, the Police Commissioner, and the MCD Commissioner.
The NHRC has demanded a detailed report within two weeks and directed a survey to identify other institutes and coaching centres operating in violation of prescribed norms. Additionally, action will be taken against negligent officers who have failed to address these issues.
This report aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
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