NHRC demands detailed reports on negligence, safety measures, and compensation from Delhi authorities after three students drown in flooded basement library
NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Drowning Incident at Delhi Coaching Centre, Issues Notices to Authorities
Source: Press Release National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports detailing the tragic drowning of three students in a flooded basement library of a prominent civil services coaching centre in Delhi on 27th July, 2024. The reports indicate that numerous complaints regarding water logging had been made to the authorities, yet no action was taken.
Expressing serious concern, the NHRC has observed that the negligence of the authorities is evident in this incident. This follows another recent incident where a civil services aspirant died due to electrocution while crossing a waterlogged street, an incident already under NHRC scrutiny. Consequently, the NHRC has held the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Municipal Corporation, and law enforcement agencies accountable.
Notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, requiring them to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The Chief Secretary has also been tasked with conducting a thorough survey to identify institutes and coaching centres operating in violation of prescribed norms across Delhi. The survey report must include details of complaints pending against these institutes and the actions taken by the relevant departments.
Furthermore, the NHRC seeks information on the actions taken against public servants responsible for these irregularities. The Commission has also asked the Government of NCT of Delhi to report on the compensation provided to the families of the deceased and the measures proposed to prevent such incidents in the future.
According to media reports, about 35 students were in the library when rainwater suddenly flooded in, causing panic. The library reportedly gets filled with rainwater annually, but this time the basement was completely flooded due to a gate malfunction. The incident occurred between 7-7.15 pm, and rescue divers only arrived around 9.15 pm, exacerbating the situation due to delayed water suction pumps.
This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of administrative negligence and the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of citizens.
