Delhi LG Directs Action Against Unsafe Buildings; Minister-Led Panel To Review PG Rules After 7 Satya Niketan Deaths

Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Monday held a review meeting with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister Ashish Sood, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Delhi Police Commissioner, and other senior officials to discuss building security, student housing, and PG regulations across Delhi in the wake of tragic Satya Niketan collapse that claimed the lives of five people.

The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for strict action against unsafe buildings. He directed the establishment of clear institutional accountability and the creation of a dedicated emergency mechanism under the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to ensure swift redressal of complaints and coordination in times of crisis.

Urban Development Minister asked to form a committee

LG Sandhu asked the Urban Development Minister to head a committee to review PG guidelines and explore alternative housing options for students through universities, the MCD, and the DDA.

The committee will also examine whether vacant DDA housing stock could be used for students. The meeting focused on ensuring the safety of buildings and providing safe housing for students.

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LG Sandhu took to X to detail the agenda of the meeting. He wrote, "Emphasised strict enforcement against unsafe buildings, clear institutional accountability, and an emergency mechanism under DDMA for swift grievance redressal and crisis coordination."

"Directed the Minister (UD), GNCTD, to lead a committee with concerned senior officials to review institutional PG guidelines, explore alternative student accommodation through Universities, MCD & DDA, and assess the feasibility of using unutilised DDA housing stock for student accommodation," he added.

Death toll at 7

The structure failure on Sunday claimed the lives of 7 people, mostly students. The rescue operation ended on Monday evening. The accused Hariram Bansal, his property-owning wife and son have been arrested by the police in connection to the case. An FIR has been registered, while a magisterial investigation has been ordered by CM Rekha Gupta.

The matter also reached the Delhi High Court, which pulled up the Delhi University and MCD. The court observed that the university has failed to provide adequate housing facilities to outstation students, who are forced to take shelter in private paying guest (PG) accommodations. The court also directed the authorities to conduct an audit of all PGs and hotel facilities across the city within a week.

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The Delhi government, on the other hand, suspended five MCD officials, including South Zone Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar and a Superintendent, among others. CM Rekha Gupta has ordered to seal all the buildings with unauthorised fifth floor and above.