Delhi Building Collapse: Students Vacate PGs Near Satya Niketan as Demolition of Nearby Structure Begins

Students living in paying guest accommodations around Delhi’s Satya Niketan area have started vacating their rooms following the collapse of a nearby building that left seven people dead, including five Delhi University students. The incident has triggered fresh concerns over the safety of buildings being used as student accommodation in the densely populated locality. The five-storey building, which was being used as a boys’ PG, collapsed on September 6. Seven people were killed and several others were injured in the incident, prompting a large-scale rescue and relief operation. The tragedy has since raised questions about the structural condition of other buildings in the neighbourhood, which has a high concentration of PGs and private hostels because of its proximity to Delhi University’s South Campus.

Following the collapse, a number of students staying in nearby properties began leaving with their belongings. The atmosphere in the area remained tense as residents and students expressed concern about the condition of buildings surrounding the collapsed structure. Some parents have also reached Delhi to help their children move to safer accommodation.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has meanwhile started the controlled demolition of an adjoining building that was declared unsafe. The structure, identified as Property No. 13, was being used as a girls’ PG and was evacuated after the neighbouring building collapsed. Civic officials ordered its demolition after determining that it posed a potential danger to occupants and nearby properties.

Demolition workers began by removing parts of the structure, including the water tank and tin roofing, as authorities moved to reduce the risk of another structural failure. The demolition operation was later halted and is expected to continue as the civic authorities assess the site and surrounding buildings. The incident has also prompted authorities to examine other structures in Satya Niketan. The MCD has issued evacuation directions for some buildings considered potentially dangerous and is carrying out inspections in the locality. Officials are also looking at the condition of PG accommodations and the number of people staying in buildings that may not have been designed for such high occupancy.

Satya Niketan has become a popular residential area for students because of its location close to several Delhi University colleges. Over the years, many residential properties in the area have been converted into PGs and hostels to meet the growing demand for student housing. The collapse has now put renewed focus on whether such buildings are being properly maintained and whether structural and safety requirements are being followed.

The Delhi government is also considering tighter rules for PG and hostel operators. The proposed regulatory framework is expected to include requirements related to licensing, police verification, structural safety and fire-safety clearances. Authorities are also looking at ways to improve monitoring of PG establishments so that students and their families can have greater access to information about the safety and approval status of accommodation.

The investigation into the Satya Niketan building collapse is continuing. Authorities are examining the condition of the structure, construction and renovation work carried out at the property and other factors that may have contributed to the collapse. Action has also been taken against individuals and officials as part of the wider investigation into the incident.

With students leaving nearby PGs and demolition work underway, attention in Satya Niketan has shifted toward preventing another tragedy. The incident has highlighted concerns surrounding ageing buildings, increasing occupancy and the rapid conversion of residential properties into student accommodation in parts of Delhi.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.