New Delhi: A building collapsed near Satya Niketan in South-West Delhi on Sunday afternoon, with several people feared trapped under the debris. The structure reportedly collapsed near the Shiv Temple in the Satya Niketan area of Moti Bagh, close to Delhi University’s South Campus.
The Delhi Fire Service received information about the incident at around 1:30 PM. Station Officer (STO) Narendra reached the spot at around 1:50 PM and reported that the building had collapsed and that some people could be trapped underneath. Additional personnel and equipment were subsequently deployed to the site.
A Special Water Tender (SWT), Big Fire Tender (BFT), an Officer-in-Charge, Duty Officer Mukesh Verma and STO Manoj were among those sent to assist in the rescue operation.
The Delhi Police said rescue operations have been launched at the site. The exact number of people trapped and the number of casualties, if any, are yet to be confirmed.
Congress Calls for War-Footing Rescue Operation
The Congress party, in a statement, described the building collapse as “extremely unfortunate” and said reports indicated that most of the residents were Delhi University students, with some feared trapped under the debris.
The party said that NSUI workers had been present at the site since immediately after the incident and were providing all possible assistance.
Congress appealed to the government to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing and ensure that students and other people trapped under the debris are evacuated at the earliest.
Arvind Kejriwal Expresses Concern
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the Satya Niketan building collapse as “extremely tragic and alarming” and prayed for the safe and speedy rescue of those feared trapped under the debris.
Kejriwal alleged that several such accidents had already occurred due to the government’s negligence in Delhi and called for large-scale measures to ensure the safety of citizens.
“The government must wake up from its slumber. There is a need to take large-scale action to ensure the safety of citizens,” Kejriwal said.
Activist Abhijeet Dipke Raises Questions Over Student Safety
Abhijeet Dipke, Founder and Convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party, also expressed concern over the incident and questioned the condition of educational infrastructure.
Dipke referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Delhi University, alleging that the Prime Minister focused on political issues while saying little about the condition of educational infrastructure.
He said that a hostel building in South Campus had collapsed a day later, with students feared trapped under the debris, and questioned how long students would have to bear the consequences of inadequate infrastructure and neglect.
“Students deserve safe classrooms, safe hostels and basic dignity. Is that really too much to ask?” Dipke said, while also asking whether the Prime Minister would visit DU again and explain how the incident occurred.