Students Protest Against MCD and IAS Coaching Institute After Basement Flooding Claims Three Lives in Delhi

Students Protest Against MCD and IAS Coaching Institute After Basement Flooding Claims Three Lives in Delhi

In a tragic incident, three students lost their lives due to flooding in the basement of an IAS coaching institute in Old Rajender Nagar, West Delhi. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with students and community members criticizing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the coaching institute for negligence.

The Incident and Immediate Response

The flooding occurred following heavy rains, which led to water accumulation in the basement of the coaching center. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in for rescue operations, during which three bodies were recovered. The police have registered a criminal case and are conducting an investigation into the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police Central, M Harshavardhan, confirmed that forensic teams are collecting evidence and that two individuals have been detained as part of the investigation.

Student Protests and Allegations of Negligence

Students have taken to the streets, accusing the MCD and the coaching institute, RAU's IAS, of negligence. They claim that the authorities failed to ensure proper safety measures in the basement facilities, which are allegedly operating illegally. Yuvraj, a UPSC aspirant, emphasized the joint liability of the MCD and the coaching institute, stating that they did not enforce necessary safety protocols.

Ankit Bhadana, another student, expressed concern over the whereabouts of approximately 20-25 students who were reportedly trapped during the flooding. He criticized the lack of communication and response from the institute's management and government officials.

Calls for Accountability and Safety Reforms

Protesters are demanding accountability from both the government and the coaching institute. They are calling for immediate action to close illegally operating basement libraries and ensure proper safety measures in all such facilities. Aman Shukla, a protesting student, highlighted the recurring issue of water accumulation in basements during rains, which has not been addressed by the MCD.

Further exacerbating the situation, students voiced frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the number of casualties and the overall response to the disaster. They criticized the response of government officials, accusing them of being detached from the ground realities.

Official and Political Reactions

In response to the incident, Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva called for an inquiry into the incident, pointing to alleged corruption within the Delhi government and the MCD. He questioned the lack of maintenance and cleaning of drainage systems, which contributed to the flooding.

Minister Atishi has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, but students and protesters are demanding more immediate and transparent actions.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of life in the Old Rajender Nagar flooding incident has brought to light significant issues concerning infrastructure safety and governance in Delhi. The incident underscores the urgent need for stringent safety regulations and proper oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future. As investigations continue, there is a growing call for accountability and systemic reforms to protect the lives and well-being of residents and students in the area.