Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Rajinder Nagar Encroachments Following Tragic Coaching Centre Deaths
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/31st July 2024
The Delhi High Court has mandated the removal of all encroachments on drains in the Rajinder Nagar area by Friday. This directive comes in the wake of the recent tragic deaths at a local coaching center.
Following the incident, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar presented a comprehensive inquiry report to Minister Atishi on Tuesday. The report delves into the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants who drowned in the flooded basement library of a coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar.
The report, prepared by Superintending Engineer Ajay Kumar Nagpal, identifies multiple factors contributing to the incident. According to the report, the road in question is classified as a commercial street under the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD). Consequently, numerous property owners have converted their properties into commercial establishments. To facilitate access to these establishments, property owners have constructed ramps across the entire width of their plots. These ramps obstruct the flow of stormwater into the drainage system during heavy rains.
Furthermore, the report points out that many property owners have covered the existing drainage system, which measures 2.50×3.00 feet, with materials such as granite, marble, or kota stone. This covering has sealed the manholes, which are crucial for cleaning and maintaining the drains, thus making it impossible to clear blockages effectively.
Additionally, the road profile from Shankar Road to Pusa Road is saucer-shaped, with the lowest point situated in front of Rau’s IAS Coaching Institute. This specific stretch of road, spanning approximately 200 feet, is particularly prone to water accumulation during heavy rains. Vehicles passing through this waterlogged area exacerbate the flooding by causing splashes.
Moreover, the report highlights that the plinth level of the affected property is lower than that of neighboring buildings, which further aggravates the flooding issue. The combination of these factors created a deadly situation that led to the unfortunate deaths of the UPSC aspirants.
In light of these findings, the Delhi High Court’s directive to remove encroachments on the drains aims to prevent such tragedies in the future. The authorities are tasked with ensuring that the drainage system is unobstructed and fully functional to handle stormwater effectively.
This incident has also prompted discussions on the need for stricter regulations and oversight of coaching centers in the area. Minister Atishi has indicated that the Delhi government is considering the introduction of laws to regulate coaching centers to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The tragic deaths of the UPSC aspirants have brought to the forefront the critical issues of urban planning, drainage management, and the regulation of commercial properties. It underscores the importance of adhering to urban planning guidelines and ensuring that infrastructural modifications do not impede essential services like drainage systems.
As the authorities work to comply with the Delhi High Court’s order, it is hoped that these measures will not only address the immediate issues in Rajinder Nagar but also set a precedent for better urban management practices across the city. The goal is to create a safer environment for all residents and to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.
