A tragic accident took place yesterday evening (27th July) in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi. Two girl students and a boy died due to water logging in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle located here. Actually, the library of the coaching center was built in the basement of the building, where the students preparing for civil services were studying. Due to heavy rain, the main road in front of the coaching center was flooded. Around 6:30 pm, the water filled on the road suddenly started filling the basement of Rau’s IAS Coaching Centre.
According to police officials, 35 students were present there when water entered the basement. First, the staff of the coaching center and the students present there themselves started efforts to save the people trapped in the basement. Most managed to get out, but some got trapped inside. Due to rapid filling of water, police and fire brigade were informed. By the time the rescue team reached the spot after about 30 minutes, the basement of the coaching center was completely filled with water.
NDRF team had to be called for rescue
There was difficulty in rescue due to darkness. When the situation worsened, NDRF had to be called. NDRF started flushing out water from the basement with the help of pumps. When divers started the search, three bodies were found inside. Some students studying in Rau’s IAS Coaching Center told that apart from the library, a class room has also been made in the basement. There is only one way in and out of the basement. The coaching center building is built in about 400 yards. There is parking on the ground floor and space for other purposes apart from classrooms has been provided on the four floors.
Students told that every time it rains, the front and basement of the coaching center gets filled with water. But nothing is done for its permanent solution. Another student said that 80% of the coaching centers in Old Rajendra Nagar have libraries in the basement. This place gets filled with water within 10 minutes of rain. MCD has not taken any action on this. The Aam Aadmi Party government of Delhi has ordered a magisterial inquiry into this accident. Delhi Minister Atishi said that strict action will be taken against those whose negligence caused this incident.
Possibility of accident due to drain breaking or pipe bursting
Delhi Mayor Shaili Oberoi also reached the spot. He said that if the MCD is found at fault, the guilty officials will not be spared. There is a possibility of water filling in the basement of the coaching center due to breaking of the drain wall or bursting of pipes. It is being verified. At the same time, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, who reached the spot, put the Aam Aadmi Party government and MCD of Delhi in the dock. Rajesh Bhatia, former BJP councilor of Rajendra Nagar, had raised the issue of non-cleaning of drains in the area on social media a few days ago.
He said that I had informed the local Aam Aadmi Party MLA Durgesh Pathak about the drains not being cleaned, but he did not pay any attention to it. Let us tell you that Aam Aadmi Party is also in power in Delhi Municipal Corporation and Durgesh Pathak is the MCD in-charge of Old Rajendra Nagar. AAP MLA Pathak expressed grief over this incident and feared that the basement would be filled with water due to the drain or pipe breaking. On the allegations of BJP leaders, he said that there should be no politics on this unfortunate accident.
If MCD is found negligent, action will be taken
Durgesh Pathan said that Aam Aadmi Party has been in power in MCD for just one year. Before that, BJP was in control of MCD for 15 years. Questions also arise on BJP as to why they did not get the sewage line repaired in 15 years. The entire sewage line of Delhi cannot be repaired in one year. We are trying to improve the sewage system. The Aam Aadmi Party MLA said that the real reason for the accident will be revealed only after investigation. If negligence of MCD is found then action will be taken against the culprits.