Six deaths have so far been registered due to the collapse of the Satya Niketan building situated in south west Delhi as rescue teams continue to search for more survivors in the rubble. The five storied building which was serving as a boys paying guest house next to the South campus of Delhi University collapsed Sunday afternoon.
Several disaster response agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi fire services and Delhi police have been involved in the rescue mission. Officials have indicated that so far eleven people have been saved as they continue clearing debris in search of survivors.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of buildings used for accommodation of students. It has been claimed that the building in question was over 50 years old. Moreover, the building collapsed when renovation was taking place.
The Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta has directed an inquiry to be conducted by the magisterial committee on the matter. Besides, the case has also been filed against the owner of the building, while the officials are investigating any violation or neglect in the building.
The MCD has taken action after the disaster and ordered a crackdown on illegal constructions, especially those that have unauthorized buildings more than four floors. This will ensure such a disaster does not happen again, and it also helps in increasing compliance in building safety measures.
In connection with the rescue operations, officials are working hard on finding out whether there are still people living in the building and providing help to the injured persons.
