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Building collapse scare students, colleges turn into night shelters
After the PG-collapse near Delhi University’s south campus, many colleges arranged night shelters for students who are now afraid to stay in the area.
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After a five-storey building used as a boys’ PG collapsed in Satya Niketan near Delhi University’s south campus, killing at least five people and injuring several others, many colleges arranged night shelters for students who are now afraid to stay in the area.
“A shocking and unfortunate news of building collapse in Satya Niketan has been conveyed to us. All our students who reside in Satya Niketan and are facing any issues may come to college. We will try our level best to accommodate you in college spaces,” said Sri Venkateshwar College principal Professor Vajala Ravi in an internal communication with students.
Later, in another communication, the college declared Monday as a holiday in view of the current situation in and around Satya Niketan.
Maitreyi College also extended similar support to its students. “The hostel administration of the college will also arrange accommodation for students who require it, along with necessary arrangements,” the college posted on its official Instagram page.
Colleges open gates for students of affected area
Gyantosh Jha, principal of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma (ARSD) College, said, “We have opened the college canteen for students to have food. We have made arrangements for students to stay at the nearby community centre and gurdwara. We will assess the situation tomorrow.”
He said the college also assisted students from other colleges. Students staying near the building collapse site are hard hit, he said.
Gargi College and Jesus and Mary College also made shelter arrangements for students.
"If you are staying in or around the affected area, and if it is safe for you to travel, please feel free to come to college. You can spend your time here in a safe and peaceful environment, remain connected with your parents and loved ones, charge your phones, use the available basic facilities, and reach out to us for any assistance you may need. Food and basic accommodation arrangements will also be available for those who require them, Jesus and Mary College said in a statement.
“Please do not worry about attending classes. There is no pressure or obligation to come to college for classes. We are keeping the college open simply because we want you to have a safe and comfortable place where you can come, feel secure, and know that you are not alone,” the college said.
Meanwhile, the students’ union, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), staged a protest outside the Municipal Corporation of Delhi head office in Civic Centre near Kashmere Gate, demanding an audit of all PG accommodations and the resignation of the MCD commissioner.
“ABVP activists registered their strong protest against MCD’s negligence and apathy regarding safety compliance in PG accommodations across student-dominated areas. Accountability must be fixed for officials who failed to ensure student safety, and the MCD commissioner should resign immediately,” read a statement issued by ABVP.
