In July 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, a hub for civil services preparation, where three UPSC aspirants lost their lives due to flooding in a coaching center’s basement.
Incident Overview
On July 27, 2024, heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging in various parts of Delhi. At Rau’s IAS Study Circle, located in Old Rajinder Nagar, approximately 30 students were present in the basement library when water began to inundate the area. While 27 students managed to escape or were rescued, three—Shreya Yadav (25), Tanya Soni (25), and Nevin Dalvin (28)—were tragically trapped and drowned.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contributed to this unfortunate event:
- Inadequate Drainage: The area suffered from poor drainage systems, leading to rapid accumulation of rainwater. Times of India
- Structural Vulnerabilities: The basement, used as a library, lacked proper safety measures to prevent flooding. The main entrance gates, which were unstable, failed to act as effective barriers against the floodwaters. The Indian Express
- External Aggravation: Witnesses reported that a speeding SUV caused water to surge into the building, exacerbating the flooding situation. indiatoday.in
Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath, legal actions were initiated:
- Arrests: Six individuals, including the co-owners of the coaching center’s basement, were arrested on charges of criminal negligence. LiveMint
- Bail and Accountability: The Delhi High Court granted interim bail to the co-owners until January 30, 2025, while emphasizing the need for accountability and the establishment of safety protocols. indiatoday.in
Community Response
The incident sparked outrage among students and the general public:
- Protests: Students organized sit-in protests, demanding improved infrastructure and accountability from coaching centers. reddit.com
- Safety Concerns: The tragedy highlighted the pressing need for stringent safety regulations in educational establishments, especially those operating in basements.
Moving Forward
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of ensuring safe learning environments. It underscores the necessity for:
- Regular Safety Audits: Implementing mandatory inspections of coaching centers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading drainage systems and structural facilities in areas prone to waterlogging.
- Emergency Preparedness: Establishing clear evacuation plans and training staff and students to respond effectively during emergencies.
By addressing these concerns, we can honor the memory of the victims and work towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
Further Reading on the Delhi Coaching Center Tragedy