IAS coaching centre flooding man-made disaster; no fire exit or emergency exit; political parties blaming each other

NEW DELHI: What occurred at the Civil Services Exam Training Centre was a man-made disaster. The North Municipal Corporation had given permission to build only a car park and a washroom in the basement below the ground level. The Fire Service had also issued Fire NOC with that condition. The library was built there illegally. There was no fire exit or emergency exit. The students said that the ground floor of the four-story building is the parking lot and below that is the library. Yesterday, entry to this area was completely banned.

The drainage system in the region has been dilapidated for ages. Residents of the area stated that the drain is not being cleaned. It has been raining heavily in Delhi for the past few days. Rainwater and sewage flow together into roads and buildings. The students had complained to the local councillor several times.

The Aam Aadmi Party, which rules the municipal corporation, and the opposition BJP are blaming each other. BJP Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva demanded an inquiry into the corruption of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, minister Atishi, the Aam Aadmi Party government and the municipal corporation. New Delhi's BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also came forward with criticism.

It was pointed out that people have been telling the MLA of the region, Durgesh Pathak of the Aam Aadmi Party, for a long time to take action to clean the drainage. Durgesh Pathak responded that steps have been taken to remove the mud from the drains. "Drainage system was broken during 15 years of BJP rule and we have been trying for a year to fix it," added the Aam Aadmi MLA.

Action should be taken against officials

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi demanded an inquiry into the involvement of municipal corporation officials in the setbacks. Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal responded that a case should be filed against the officers. Strict action should be taken against violations of the law.