Three Students Killed After UPSC Coaching in Delhi Gets Flooded
Tragedy in Old Rajinder Nagar as Flooding Claims Lives of Aspiring UPSC Candidates
28.07.2024: In a tragic incident, three students lost their lives and several others were trapped when a nearby drain burst, leading to severe flooding in the basement of a UPSC coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, leaving the area in shock and sparking a swift response from emergency services.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
According to officials from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), they received an emergency call about students trapped inside the flooded basement around 7 PM. “The caller reported that children were trapped inside a completely flooded basement of a UPSC coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar. We immediately dispatched five fire tenders to the site,” said a DFS official.
Teams from the Delhi Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and DFS rushed to the location to initiate rescue operations. Videos circulating on social media showed the Rau’s IAS Study Circle submerged in water, with rescuers struggling to pump out the water and reach the trapped individuals.
Challenges Faced by Rescuers
DCP (Central) M Harshvardhan explained that the flooding was exacerbated by heavy rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in the area and adjacent buildings. “It appears that the basement flooded quickly, trapping people inside. We are investigating how the flooding occurred so rapidly,” he said.
The rescue efforts were hampered by the dark, waterlogged basement filled with furniture, making it difficult for rescuers to navigate and reach the trapped students. Despite these challenges, the body of one student was retrieved during the operation.
Government Response and Inquiry
The Delhi government has taken immediate cognizance of the incident, ordering a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause and accountability. “The Delhi Fire Department and NDRF are on the spot. The Delhi Mayor and local MLA are also present. I am receiving updates every minute. Orders have been given for a magisterial inquiry into how this incident happened. Whoever is responsible for this incident will not be spared,” stated Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi on social media platform X.
Political Reactions
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva attributed the mishap to the non-cleaning of drains, causing the drain water to backflow into the basement at high speed. “Delhi Government’s criminal negligence is responsible for this mishap. Jal Board Minister Ms. Atishi & local MLA Durgesh Pathak should take responsibility and resign,” he demanded.
Waterlogging Issues in Delhi
Waterlogging during monsoon is a persistent problem in Delhi, primarily due to the outdated drainage master plan drawn up in 1976 when the city’s population was around 60 lakh. The current population far exceeds this number, exacerbating the drainage issues and leading to frequent incidents like the one in Old Rajinder Nagar.
his tragic incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and effective management of Delhi’s drainage system. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing such disasters in the future.