'Helpless Just Like Insects': IAS Aspirant's Letter To Chief Justice Over 'Hell-Like' Conditions In UPSC Coaching Mecca

Notably, three students - Tanya Soni, Nivin Dalvin and Shreya Yadav - lost their lives after they drowned in the waterlogged basement of a coaching institute where an "illegal" library was being run. The incident sent shockwaves across the country, with students, political leaders and other stakeholders raising the issue from the streets to the Parliament of India.

One such student, Avinash Dubey, wrote a hard-hitting letter detailing the precarious living conditions of the mecca of civil services. He urged the apex court to take stern action against the civic body officials and other responsible people. In his letter, Dubey, a civil services aspirant himself also sought directions from MCD and the Delhi government on the severe waterlogging issue.

The letter, with the subject line "to protect our fundamental rights", is addressed to the "respected Chief Justice Supreme Court of India".
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After a brief detail of the incident, Dubey's letter stated: "Sir, areas like Mukherjee Nagar, Old Rajendra Nagar of Delhi have been facing the problem of waterlogging every year due to the apathy of the municipality here. Due to lack of cleanliness, the drain water reaches the main road and sometimes even enters houses. We have to walk through knee-deep drain water. Sir, due to the indifference of the municipality and the Delhi government, today students like us are living a hell-like life for our preparation."

Seeking the Court's attention towards the ground realities and core issues, Avinash alleged that "Delhi government and municipality are completely indifferent to it due to which the lives of students like us are in danger."

"The above incident is extremely heartbreaking and worrying. Due to waterlogging, there is a serious threat to the safety and health of the students studying in the centre. In such a situation, there is a need for students to get a safe and healthy environment, so that they can continue their studies without any fear and can contribute to the progress of the country shortly. Keeping in mind the interests of the students, it is necessary that the concerned authorities take immediate effective steps and provide a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging. Apart from this, there is also a need to strengthen emergency services and security measures at the coaching centre. Proper evacuation routes, first aid facilities and regular sanitation arrangements should be ensured for the students. Keeping in mind the concerns of parents and guardians of students, coaching centers should get regular structural inspections done and be prepared to deal with problems like waterlogging. The future and lives of students are extremely valuable, and keeping them safe from such incidents should be our priority. Therefore, you are respectfully requested to protect the lives and fundamental rights of students like us and please order appropriate action against those responsible for the death of our 3 student brothers," he added.