Understanding the Delhi Coaching Centre Tragedy: Lessons and Actions Needed
The recent tragic incident at a coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, where three UPSC aspirants lost their lives due to flooding in the basement, has sparked outrage and demands for justice. This unfortunate event highlights several critical issues that need immediate attention and action.
1. Violation of Building Regulations: Reports indicate that the basement where the students drowned was being illegally used as a library, violating building bylaws. This raises serious questions about the enforcement of safety regulations and the responsibility of authorities in ensuring compliance.
2. Infrastructure and Drainage Challenges: Areas like Old Rajinder Nagar are prone to waterlogging due to inadequate drainage systems. The incident underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning and maintenance to mitigate such risks, especially during the monsoon season.
3. Accountability and Oversight: There are calls for accountability from coaching centre owners, property landlords, and municipal officials responsible for monitoring and inspecting these facilities. The sealing of multiple coaching centre basements by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) indicates a broader issue of lax enforcement.
4. Immediate and Long-term Safety Measures: Students and locals have rightly demanded immediate measures to improve safety in coaching centres, including better emergency preparedness, regular safety audits, and proper exit routes. Long-term solutions must address drainage improvements and stricter adherence to building codes.
5. Government and Public Response: The Ministry of Home Affairs’ formation of a committee to investigate the incident is a step towards understanding the lapses and preventing future tragedies. However, swift and comprehensive action is needed to restore public trust and ensure such incidents do not recur.