Delhi, July 29, 2024 – A civil service aspirant, Kishor Singh Kushwah, had lodged multiple complaints with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) about the illegal operation of coaching centres and libraries in basements a month before a tragic flooding incident claimed the lives of three students at Rau’s IAS Study Circle.
On June 26, Kushwah flagged the potential hazards posed by several coaching centres in Old Rajinder Nagar and South Patel Nagar areas, which were running without the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs). He highlighted the “possibility of a major accident” in his complaint filed on the Public Grievance Portal. Despite this, no action was taken by the MCD.
Following the lack of response, Kushwah reiterated his concerns on July 15 and July 22, stressing the urgency of the situation and calling for “immediate action.” Tragically, his warnings went unheeded, resulting in the death of three civil service aspirants after the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle flooded during heavy rain on Saturday night.
In response to the incident, the MCD sealed 13 coaching centres in the Old Rajinder Nagar area found violating rules. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi confirmed that a team from the civic body conducted searches and sealed institutes engaged in commercial activities in basements without proper authorization.
The MCD is now facing criticism for failing to enforce building norms and ensure safety in the national capital. This comes after a previous directive from the Delhi High Court in May, which ordered the immediate closure of coaching centres operating in violation of fire safety norms.
