Satya Niketan Hostel Collapse Raises Questions Over Safety Lapses in Delhi

New Delhi: The collapse of the hostel building in Satya Niketan has raised several questions over safety lapses in the capital city. Visuals of the building before the collapse reportedly showed cracks on the structure. Following the disaster, the Delhi Municipal Corporation ordered the immediate sealing of unauthorised buildings in Delhi that have more than four floors. The major disaster is an example of the Centre’s administrative failure.

The Delhi Mayor has announced that strict action, including dismissal, will be taken against municipal officials responsible for allowing the construction of unauthorised multi-storey buildings. Strong criticism has emerged against the BJP’s approach of taking action against officials only after a disaster occurs instead of taking preventive measures to avert such incidents. The main criticism is that administrative and official negligence has allowed unauthorised buildings to pop up across Delhi.

According to statements by residents in the area, Construction work had reportedly been underway in the building’s basement for the past 10 to 15 days. The basement was flooded following heavy rains in Delhi. The age of the building, along with the waterlogging, also contributed to the major disaster. There are allegations that repair work on the basement and ground floor was being carried out without permission. The building, which was being used as a hostel, also did not have an emergency exit.

The site had been allotted for rehabilitation, with permission granted only to construct an additional floor above the ground floor. However, many buildings in the area had been standing for years with four to five floors, including basements. It is clear that the buildings were being constructed illegally without the required permissions.

There are also concerns that the investigation will not be allowed to extend to officials in the BJP-ruled corporation who allegedly facilitated unauthorised construction. Strong protests have already erupted against the government supporting real estate mafias without regard for the lives of ordinary people.