Delhi Bulldozer Action:  Ignored Warnings and Civic Negligence Exposed After Coaching Centre Tragedy

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 29^th July. Tragedy Strikes in Old Rajinder Nagar

The bustling lanes of Old Rajinder Nagar, a known hub for UPSC aspirants, witnessed a harrowing tragedy as three students lost their lives in a preventable accident. This incident has sparked a wave of outrage and grief among the student community, highlighting glaring lapses in civic administration and safety regulations.

Ignored Warnings and Negligence

On June 26th, this year, a student, Kishor Singh Kushwah filed a complaint with MCD’s Public Grievance Portal against multiple tutoring centres in South Patel and Old Rajinder Nagar.

He raised the risk of a serious accident as a result of running coaching classes and libraries in basements. The student had listed Rau’s IAS Study Circle on his list of accident-prone coaching centers.

Complaints were filed with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which is under the control of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). These complaints pointed out structural weaknesses and overcrowding in the coaching centers, warning of a possible major accident. Despite these repeated alerts, the MCD allegedly turned a deaf ear, allowing unsafe conditions to persist.

Kishor Singh Kushwah filed a complaint that stated, “Despite not having permission, they are running a classroom in the basement without a NOC (No Objection Certificate). They are conducting exam classes, which have an impact on the lives of students and staff. There is a risk of a major accident.

Rau’s IAS Study Circle also operated a library from the basement of its building, where three UPSC hopefuls perished without permission.

Kishor Singh Kushwah’s complaint fell on deaf ears. He wrote to MCD again on July 15th and 22nd, emphasizing the gravity of the issue and the need for rapid action. However, the municipality took no action.

Two days after a tragic incident in Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar left three IAS aspirants dead, civic authorities have initiated bulldozer action in the area to remove encroachments contributing to the waterlogging problem. This swift move comes after two women, aged 25, and a 28-year-old man were trapped and drowned in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, an establishment that was operating in violation of municipal regulations.

The incident has triggered a wave of protests from students and residents who accuse the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) of negligence and reactive measures. “All this is for show,” a student protester remarked, reflecting a widespread sentiment that the bulldozer action is too little, too late.

#WATCH | Earth movers put into action to remove encroachment over drains in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar after the incident of death of 3 UPSC aspirants due to drowning in an IAS coaching institute pic.twitter.com/NR6sjw5a7b

— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2024

 

Tragic Flooding Incident

On the day of the incident, heavy rains led to severe waterlogging in various parts of Delhi. The basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, which was legally designated for parking and storage, became a death trap for the three aspirants who were studying there. Eyewitnesses reported that the basement quickly filled with water, leaving the students no time to escape.

The deaths have raised serious questions about the enforcement of building regulations in the city. Investigations revealed that the basement library was operating without proper clearance, a violation that the MCD had overlooked despite repeated complaints about illegal constructions and improper drainage systems.

Civic Authorities Under Fire

In the aftermath, the MCD has come under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that the civic body’s failure to enforce regulations and address long-standing issues of encroachment and waterlogging directly led to the fatalities. The decision to commence bulldozer action is seen by many as an attempt to deflect blame rather than a genuine effort to rectify the systemic failures.

Protesters gathered outside the MCD office, demanding accountability and immediate action to prevent further tragedies. Placards with messages such as “Justice for IAS Aspirants” and “Hold MCD Accountable” were prominently displayed.

Encroachment and Waterlogging

Encroachments blocking drains have been a persistent issue in Rajinder Nagar, leading to frequent waterlogging during the monsoon season. Residents have repeatedly complained about illegal structures and the failure of the drainage system, but their concerns have largely fallen on deaf ears.

The bulldozer action, aimed at removing these encroachments, is a step towards addressing the problem. However, the timing and intent behind this move are being questioned. Students and locals argue that the action should have been taken much earlier to prevent such a disaster.

Calls for Comprehensive Reform

The tragic deaths of the three IAS aspirants have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the city’s urban planning and regulatory enforcement. Activists and community leaders are calling for a thorough audit of all basements being used for commercial purposes and stricter enforcement of building codes.

Moreover, there is a growing demand for accountability within the MCD. Many are calling for the resignation of key officials and an independent investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible for the regulatory failures are held accountable.

Following the event, the local government swooped down and sealed 13 IAS tutoring centers for apparent violations of building regulations. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered an investigation to see whether any MCD officials were involved in the negligence.

Moving Forward

As the bulldozers continue their work in Rajinder Nagar, the focus remains on preventing another such tragedy. The deaths of the young aspirants have sparked a broader conversation about civic responsibility and the need for proactive governance.

For the families of the victims, the current actions are a painful reminder of what might have been avoided with proper oversight. As Delhi grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the hope is that real, lasting change will emerge from this tragedy, ensuring safer living conditions for all residents.