After Satya Niketan collapse, Delhi L-G orders safety audit of PG accommodations within a week

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has ordered a structural safety audit of all buildings being used as paying guest (PG) accommodations in major PG hubs across the capital. The exercise has been directed to be completed within a week, following the deadly building collapse in Satya Niketan.

The order came during a meeting chaired by Sandhu with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood. The meeting focused on measures taken after the collapse and ways to improve safety and accommodation for students living in PGs across Delhi.

Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, NDRF chief, MCD Commissioner, Delhi Police Commissioner, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor and DDA Vice-Chairman, attended the meeting along with officials from the Home and Education departments.

Inspections, illegal construction under focus

Officials have been asked to inspect PG buildings, with particular attention to properties suspected of breaching height or floor-related restrictions.

The MCD has also been directed to take stringent action against illegal construction that is still underway and ensure that further violations are stopped.

At the same time, Sandhu cautioned authorities against carrying out “mindless sealing drives". He said blanket action could leave students without accommodation and instead called for targeted inspections of buildings that prima facie appear to be violating construction norms.

Emergency response system to be strengthened

The meeting also examined ways to improve the response to emergencies, including stronger coordination between the Delhi Police and NDRF and efforts to bring down response times.

Sandhu directed that a Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) control room be made operational immediately. It will coordinate rescue operations, medical assistance, verified information for the media and communication with families of victims during disasters.

Government plans wider PG regulation

Officials also discussed tighter rules for PG accommodations and coaching institutes, drawing on recommendations being prepared by the Justice Guha Committee.

The government is looking at ways to address Delhi's shortage of student housing by expanding accommodation through universities, the MCD and DDA. Vacant or underused buildings owned by the DDA and MCD, along with available DDA housing stock, could be considered for this purpose.

The meeting also discussed allowing higher FAR for new hostels and redeveloping existing facilities, provided safety requirements are met.

A committee comprising the DM, DCP and an MCD Deputy Commissioner will engage with students living in PGs to understand their concerns. Authorities will also prepare a comprehensive database of students staying in such accommodations.

A separate committee headed by the Urban Development Minister will work on a mid- and long-term plan to expand student housing in the capital. The DDA and L&DO have been asked to help universities obtain necessary approvals, NOCs and higher FAR for new hostels.

Seven killed in Satya Niketan collapse

The meeting was held a day after a five-storey boys' PG near Delhi University's South Campus collapsed at around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was in progress.

Seven people died and at least six others were injured.

Police have arrested property owner Urmila Gupta, 75, her husband Hariram Gupta, 81, a retired Indian Air Force sergeant, and their son Mahesh Gupta, 52.

Police said the property was registered in Urmila Gupta's name but was being managed by her husband and son. Investigators are also looking for the PG operators and labour contractor involved in the repair work, whose roles will be examined as the probe continues.