Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi on Sunday ordered immediate and stringent action against coaching centers operating from basements across the city. This decision was prompted by the tragic deaths of three UPSC civil service aspirants who were trapped in a flooded basement of a coaching centre in central Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar (ORN) area. The incident occurred after heavy rainfall inundated the basement, causing a catastrophic flood.
The deceased students were identified as Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, both aged 25, and Navin Delvin, 28. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday night when water suddenly surged into the basement, trapping the aspirants for several harrowing hours. Despite their desperate attempts to escape, the students were unable to find a way out. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire department personnel conducted a grueling rescue operation, which ultimately led to the recovery of the bodies of the two female and one male students.
In her official statement, Mayor Oberoi emphasized that many coaching centres were conducting commercial activities in basements, which is a clear violation of building bylaws and existing norms. She called for stringent measures to be taken against these establishments without delay. "Strict action should be taken against them immediately," she asserted.
Oberoi also instructed officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to initiate an immediate inquiry to determine if any civic body officers bore responsibility for the tragic event. She highlighted the importance of accountability and promised severe repercussions for any officials found negligent. "An immediate enquiry to be conducted to identify if any officers of MCD are responsible for this tragedy. If any official is found guilty, the strongest possible action will be taken against them, under intimation to the undersigned," she stated firmly.
On Saturday night, the flooding incident led to a chaotic scene in Old Rajinder Nagar, a popular area for civil service aspirants due to the high concentration of coaching centres. Students and local residents witnessed the rapid rise of water levels, which quickly overwhelmed the basement where the three aspirants were studying. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the swift influx of water complicated rescue efforts. The NDRF, local police, and fire department worked tirelessly to reach the trapped students, but unfortunately, the rescue operation turned into a recovery mission.
The deaths of Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Navin Delvin have cast a spotlight on the safety standards of coaching centres, especially those operating in non-compliant basements. This incident underscores the urgent need for regulatory enforcement to prevent such disasters in the future and ensure the safety of all students attending these institutions. The Delhi government faces mounting pressure to take swift and decisive action against non-compliant coaching centres, not only to honor the memory of the deceased students but also to prevent further tragedies.
The mayor's orders come at a critical time when thousands of students flock to Delhi for coaching in various competitive exams. The safety of these students has become a paramount concern, with parents and guardians demanding stricter regulations and better oversight of coaching centres. The tragic incident in Old Rajinder Nagar serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards posed by non-compliant establishments and the dire consequences of neglecting safety standards.
In conclusion, the deaths of Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Navin Delvin are a tragic reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and ensuring that educational facilities are compliant with building norms. Mayor Shelly Oberoi's call for immediate action against non-compliant coaching centres is a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by rigorous enforcement and accountability to prevent future tragedies. The safety of students must be the top priority, and comprehensive measures should be implemented to safeguard their well-being as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
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