Delhi Chief Secretary's Report Highlights Negligence Leading to Drowning of UPSC Aspirants

Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar submitted a report to Minister Atishi, detailing the deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a flooded coaching center. The report cites structural and regulatory failures, leading to waterlogging and fatalities. Immediate disciplinary actions were taken against responsible officers.

Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar submitted a detailed report to Delhi Minister Atishi on Tuesday, shedding light on the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar. The aspirants drowned after the basement library of the centre became flooded due to structural and regulatory lapses.

According to the report prepared by Superintending Engineer Ajay Kumar Nagpal, commercial conversions of properties along a notified road caused improper drainage, with ramps blocking stormwater entry. The drainage system was found covered with finishing materials, which prevented necessary cleaning and maintenance.

The road profile from Shankar Road to Pusa Road, forming a saucer-like shape, exacerbated water accumulation in front of Rau's IAS Coaching Institute, where the waterlogging caused by heavy rains on July 27, 2024, led to an uninterrupted flow into the basement, ultimately resulting in the tragic deaths.

(With inputs from agencies.)