Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Students Protest Over Death Toll
The day after the end of rescue operations at the Satya Niketan building collapse site in Delhi, many students at Delhi University started an open-ended protest. They claimed that the government’s death toll is low and demanding more transparency from the authorities. Meanwhile, a massive demolition campaign of unsafe PG accommodations was on the way. This forced several students to leave the site with their belongings.
The incident has become one of the most talked-about recent events in Delhi. It has caused great concerns about students’ protection and illegal buildings around the South Campus.
Students Claim Casualty Numbers Are Underreported
More than 150 students of Delhi University gathered at Satya Niketan to protest. They stated that many students still remain missing after the collapse of the building.
Student representatives stated that it is difficult for families looking for their children in hospitals to find them, raising suspicions that the real number of victims could be even higher than the official statistics. They also claim that some parts of the collapsed building, for example, the basement, are not completely cleared. Authorities confirmed seven victims and five injured people.
Students Demand Transparency and Compensation
The protesting students made various demands of the Delhi government as well as the local authorities, which included the following:
- Disclosing the complete data of the casualties and missing persons.
- Distributing ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased.
- Conducting safety inspections of PG accommodations in Satya Niketan.
- Taking strict punitive action against those responsible for construction violations.
- Improving the facilities in student hostels at Delhi University.
The students affirmed that the incident had brought to light the persistent issues regarding the safety of privately owned PGs.
Many Depart from PGs During Demolition Process
Following the accident, the authorities started pointing out unsafe and apparently illegal structures in Satya Niketan. It was reported that the residents of PG buildings above 4 stories were instructed to decamp immediately after the commencement of demolition activities.
The once bustling roads of Satya Niketan were strewn with bags, luggage, and furniture as students vacated their PGs.
Many students, whose families live outside Delhi, were assisted by their relatives or friends in collecting their belongings.
Students Face the Problem of Reimbursement and Accommodation
Numerous students claimed that PG owners failed to return security deposits or reimburse advance rent even after requesting residents to vacate promptly.
The unanticipated evacuation has forced many students to seek alternative accommodation around Delhi University’s South Campus just weeks after the beginning of academic year.
Parents from different states rushed to Delhi to take their children home because of safety concerns.
Safety Issues Arise After Mishap
With the collapse of Satya Niketan building, scrutiny of illegal constructions and poorly-maintained PG accommodations in student areas in Delhi increased tremendously.
As protests continue and the demolition operation intensifies, the event became one of the recent news updates lately, emphasizing the immediate need for more thorough building safety checks as well as better housing for students in the capital.
