Tragic flooding at West Delhi coaching centre claims life and traps students

In a heartbreaking incident in West Delhi, a student has died, and at least two others have been trapped for over three hours after a sudden flood inundated a basement at a popular coaching centre. The disaster struck at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Rajendra Nagar, where visuals show the basement completely submerged. Fire brigade officials responded to the emergency call at 7:19 p.m. on Saturday, dispatching five fire engines to assist with the rescue. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been deployed to the scene.

Tragic Outcome and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

According to officials, the body of a female student has been recovered, and rescue operations are ongoing. The incident follows a similar tragedy just days prior when a UPSC aspirant was electrocuted while navigating a waterlogged street in Patel Nagar, also in West Delhi. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Delhi), M. Harshavardhan, reported that the area around the coaching centre was severely waterlogged due to heavy rain on Saturday evening.

Harshavardhan explained that the ongoing rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to the slow drainage of the water. Despite these difficulties, the team is working diligently to resolve the situation. Delhi Public Works Department Minister Atishi confirmed on social media that the flooding was a result of the heavy rain, and local Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Durgesh Pathak has arrived at the scene.

Political Reactions and Blame

In the aftermath of the incident, political figures have been quick to react. Bansuri Swaraj, BJP MP from the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, criticized the AAP government, suggesting that the tragedy could have been avoided with proper maintenance of the sewers. Swaraj accused the AAP government, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and MLA Durgesh Pathak of negligence, claiming that the inadequate sewer cleaning and desilting led to the flooding. She described the situation as dire, with divers reportedly needed to assist in the rescue efforts.

Impact and Implications

This tragedy highlights the urgent need for effective infrastructure management and emergency preparedness in areas prone to heavy rainfall. As rescue operations continue, the incident has sparked a broader discussion on disaster management and accountability in urban planning. The loss of life and the dangerous conditions faced by trapped students underscore the critical importance of timely and effective responses to such emergencies.