Watch: Bulldozer Action In New Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar Post-UPSC Aspirants' Basement Flooding Deaths

Delhi authorities acted swiftly on Monday, deploying bulldozers to clear encroachments over drains in Old Rajinder Nagar. This urgent measure came after the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants who drowned due to severe waterlogging at Rau's Study Circle coaching centre. The incident underscored the critical need for improved drainage and flood management in the city.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated an anti-encroachment drive in Old Rajinder Nagar to clear illegal structures blocking storm drains, which contributed to the severe waterlogging. Bulldozers have been deployed near Rau's IAS Study Circle to address these encroachments.

Anti-Encroachment Drive

MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar informed news agency PTI that encroachments had blocked storm drains in the area, causing severe waterlogging. This obstruction led to rainwater flooding the basement of Rau's Study Circle coaching centre. On Sunday, the MCD had sealed 13 illegal coaching centres in the area.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police arrested five more people on Monday, including the owner of the basement where the flooding occurred. The owner of a vehicle that hit the gate of the coaching centre in Karol Bagh was also detained.

In response to public outcry, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi scheduled an emergency meeting with civic officials at 3 pm to discuss the incident and response measures. The MCD is responsible for maintaining stormwater drains, and it has been alleged that the drainage system near Rau's IAS Study Circle was not functioning properly.

Accountability Measures

The MCD terminated an officer and suspended another following the tragic deaths that triggered mass protests on Sunday. The junior engineer's contract was terminated immediately, while an assistant engineer from Karol Bagh Zone's maintenance department was suspended with a subsistence allowance during this period.

MCD Commissioner announced that their official termination and suspension orders are expected soon. These actions were part of efforts to hold individuals accountable for negligence contributing to the fatal incident.

On Monday, Delhi LG VK Saxena visited Old Rajinder Nagar and spoke with students protesting the deaths of three civil services aspirants who drowned after their institute's basement was inundated with rainwater. The visit aimed to address concerns and reassure students about ongoing measures.

The MCD also launched an anti-encroachment drive on Monday in Old Rajinder Nagar. This initiative aims to prevent future incidents by ensuring storm drains remain unobstructed and functional during heavy rains.

The MCD is responsible for maintaining stormwater drains, which reportedly malfunctioned near Rau's IAS Study Circle. This malfunction caused significant rainwater accumulation on roads, subsequently flooding basements.

The swift actions taken by Delhi authorities aim to prevent such tragedies from recurring by addressing drainage issues and removing illegal encroachments obstructing storm drains.