Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a detailed investigation into the tragic drowning of three civil services aspirants at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajendra Nagar, District Magistrate G Sudhakar has highlighted significant lapses by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the coaching institute, and the Fire Service department. The incident, which occurred in the basement library of the coaching center, has prompted a series of recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
Sudhakar’s report, submitted to minister Atishi on July 29, identifies several failures, including the MCD’s inability to detect and address the misuse of the basement. Despite a site inspection in July, the Fire Service department issued a safety certificate, concealing the basement’s improper use. Sudhakar also criticized the institute’s architect, owners, and builders for circumventing regulations to avoid mandatory fire safety approvals.
The investigation revealed that the building, which should have been sealed in 2023, was granted a completion certificate in August 2021, despite the misuse of the basement as a library. This oversight was attributed to negligence by the junior, assistant, and executive engineers responsible for the area from September 2021 to August 2023.
Sudhakar’s report emphasized the Fire Department’s serious lapse in granting a safety certificate in July 2024, without addressing the misuse of the basement. The department’s failure to notify the MCD about the basement’s improper use during their July 1 inspection was also highlighted.
To prevent such incidents in the future, Sudhakar made several recommendations:
- Strict Enforcement of Basement Rules: Ensuring basements are used according to legal guidelines.
- Clearing the Drainage System: Regular maintenance and desilting of drains to prevent waterlogging.
- Shifting Coaching Institutes: Gradual relocation of coaching centers to planned areas like Rohini and Narela.
- Removal of Encroachments: Clearing illegal constructions on stormwater and sewage drains.
- Revamping Old Drains: Upgrading damaged drains and implementing regular desilting measures.
- Immediate Desilting of Waterlogged Areas: Prioritizing areas prone to water overflow and addressing road design issues contributing to waterlogging.
- Enforcing Guidelines for Educational Use of Basements: Ensuring strict adherence to regulations regarding the use of basements for educational purposes.
Sudhakar called on the MCD, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board, and Public Works Department to take immediate action on these recommendations. The next court hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 22, where further actions and updates are expected.
