Satya Niketan Building Collapse Site (Img:X)
New Delhi: A day after the tragic collapse of a paying guest accommodation in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, fear has spread among residents and students living in nearby buildings. Many students were seen leaving their rented rooms on Monday, carrying bags and belongings as concerns grew over the safety of other structures in the area.
The collapse of building number 14, which was being used as a boys’ PG accommodation, claimed the lives of seven people. Rescue operations continued for nearly two days before being officially concluded after authorities cleared most of the debris.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) completed the rescue operation after searching through the rubble. Officials confirmed that several people trapped inside were rescued, but seven victims lost their lives in the devastating incident.
The tragedy has raised serious questions over the condition of old and unauthorised buildings operating as student accommodations in the national capital.
Following the collapse, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched an inspection drive around the accident site. Officials identified multiple buildings as potentially dangerous and issued demolition notices.
According to MCD officials, building number 13, located next to the collapsed structure, was found to be in a highly unstable condition and had already been evacuated. Three more nearby buildings are also under inspection.
The civic body has issued notices under Section 348 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, directing owners of unsafe properties to demolish, repair or secure the structures.
Several students living in nearby buildings expressed anxiety over their safety and belongings. Many said important documents, electronic items and cash were still inside their rooms after sudden evacuation orders.
Students and their families are now searching for alternative accommodation, while authorities continue identifying risky buildings in the area.
The collapsed PG building was reportedly constructed in the 1990s on a small plot in a resettlement colony. The incident has sparked concerns over illegal construction, building safety checks and the accountability of civic authorities.
