The recent tragic incident in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar, where three students drowned in the basement of a coaching centre, has sparked widespread outrage. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi has condemned the incident, describing it as the "height of negligence and mismanagement."
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her heartbreak over the deaths of the three students due to waterlogging in the basement of a coaching institute. She conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
She also highlighted the recent death of a student due to electric shock in Patel Nagar, emphasising the severe negligence and mismanagement that endangers the lives of students who come from distant places to pursue their dreams.
Priyanka Gandhi stressed the urgency of addressing illegal and hazardous constructions that house students. She described the situation as "criminal and irresponsible" and called for accountability to be established. She emphasised that all illegal and life-threatening constructions must be rectified, particularly in areas where competitive students reside.
The Delhi police have taken swift action by arresting two individuals, the owner and coordinator of the IAS coaching centre, in connection with the tragic incident. The victims, identified as Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh's Ambedkar Nagar district, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Kerala's Ernakulam, lost their lives due to basement flooding caused by heavy rains.
This incident in Central Delhi follows closely on the heels of another tragedy, where a UPSC aspirant was electrocuted on a waterlogged street in the national capital. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in Delhi.
The incident has also brought attention to the broader issue of infrastructure safety in educational institutions. Many coaching centres and hostels, which house thousands of aspiring students, often operate in buildings that do not meet safety standards. The lack of proper drainage systems and the prevalence of illegal constructions pose significant risks to the students' lives.
Community leaders and activists have called for immediate government intervention to inspect and regulate these establishments. They argue that stringent measures must be taken to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. The focus should be on implementing safety protocols and holding those responsible for negligence accountable.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the overall living conditions and support systems available to students in Delhi. Many students, who come from various parts of the country to prepare for competitive exams, face numerous challenges, including inadequate housing, lack of proper sanitation, and limited access to healthcare services. These conditions further exacerbate their vulnerability in times of crises.
In response to the incident, there have been calls for a comprehensive review of the infrastructure in educational hubs across the city. This review should aim to identify and rectify potential hazards to prevent future accidents. Additionally, there is a growing demand for the establishment of emergency response systems and support networks for students.
The government and educational authorities must collaborate to create a safer environment for students. This includes enforcing strict building regulations, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring that all educational facilities comply with safety standards. Providing students with secure and conducive living conditions is essential for their well-being and academic success.
The tragedy in Old Rajinder Nagar is a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes to protect students' lives. As the investigation continues and accountability is sought, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and security of all students who come to Delhi with hopes and aspirations for a brighter future.
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