The collapse of a five-storey building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, close to Delhi University’s South Campus, has raised questions over the safety of paying-guest (PG) accommodations and construction practices in the densely populated student neighbourhood.
The building, reportedly operating as a PG called Hostel Daze, had around 30 rooms and was being used to accommodate students. Several people were trapped under the debris after the structure collapsed on Sunday, while rescue teams from the NDRF, Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service and other agencies rushed to the spot.
The collapse has also triggered questions over how an ageing and reportedly dilapidated structure was converted into a student accommodation and allowed to be occupied while construction work was still underway.
Old Building Renovated for Student Accommodation
According to local residents, the building was around 50 years old and had remained in a poor condition before its renovation.
The owner, identified in reports as Hari Ram Bansal, reportedly spent several months renovating the property before it was opened as a PG around August. However, construction work had allegedly not been completed when the building collapsed.
Among those rescued were labourers who had been working at the property. One labourer was reportedly killed in the collapse.
Residents said construction work was continuing in the basement even during heavy rain.
“Labourers were working in the basement even during the rain. Waterlogging is common in the basements of buildings here, and they could also be trapped,” a local resident told PTI.
Another resident said work was underway in the basement and that a wall was being removed.
Waterlogging Adds to Safety Concerns
The collapse occurred after two consecutive days of heavy rain in Delhi. The sloping terrain in the area reportedly contributed to waterlogging.
Locals said water had accumulated inside the basement of the building before the collapse, raising concerns about whether construction work should have continued under such conditions.
The incident has also highlighted broader concerns over buildings being converted into PG accommodations without adequate structural and safety checks.
Priyanka, a resident who said she had lived in the area for more than two decades, said several properties had been converted into student hostels.
“Buildings here are being constructed up to five or six floors. Many houses have been converted into boys’ PGs, with the owners shifting elsewhere,” she said.
She alleged that some property owners collect rent online while rarely visiting the premises.
Questions Over Vacant Building Being Reopened
Reports have also raised questions about the building’s previous use.
According to one account, the structure had been vacated nearly a year earlier, before being reopened as a PG around two to three months ago.
This has led to questions over whether structural inspections or safety checks were conducted before students were allowed to move in.
The building was reportedly meant for residential use, while its conversion into a PG accommodating several students in each room has raised questions about whether it was being used beyond its approved purpose.
Student Accommodation Crisis in Focus
Satya Niketan and surrounding areas house a large number of Delhi University students because university hostels cannot accommodate everyone seeking a place to stay.
As a result, students often depend on private PGs and rented accommodation, where rents can be high and safety standards vary.
The collapse has once again brought attention to the need for safe and affordable accommodation for students, particularly in neighbourhoods where residential properties are increasingly being converted into hostels.
Student Groups Reach Collapse Site
Student organisations reached the site soon after the incident.
DUSU President Aryan Maan visited the area and spoke with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the Delhi Police Commissioner about the rescue operation.
ABVP National General Secretary Virendra Solanki also reached the site with party workers. The organisation said its workers assisted rescue teams and remained stationed at hospitals to help affected students and their families.
NSUI President Vinod Jakhar also visited the site and later went to AIIMS to meet injured students. NSUI workers participated in rescue efforts but were later removed from the area by police after staging a protest.
The incident has also become a point of political confrontation between ABVP and NSUI, with DUSU elections approaching.
Political Leaders React
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed distress over the collapse and offered condolences to the families of those who died. He also prayed for the recovery of those injured and said authorities were assisting people affected by the incident.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was monitoring the rescue operation and that teams from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, NDRF, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, MCD, CATS and Civil Defence were working together. The adjacent building was also vacated as a precaution.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal described the incident as “extremely tragic and alarming” and called for large-scale measures to improve public safety.
AAP leader Atishi demanded a high-level investigation and strict action against those responsible for any negligence.
Former Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi also questioned the MCD over alleged failures to act against unsafe and illegal construction.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Hostel Shortage
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over reports that several people, including Delhi University students, were trapped under the debris.
He urged the NDRF, Delhi Fire Service and other rescue agencies to make every possible effort to reach those trapped and ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured.
“Every student’s life is precious and must be protected at all costs,” Gandhi said.
He also linked the incident to the shortage of hostel facilities in universities, saying students are often forced to live in private PGs, sometimes in overcrowded conditions.
Congress and NSUI workers were present at the site and offered assistance during the rescue operation.
