The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed the basement spaces of at least 10 coaching centres and libraries on Wednesday for violating building bylaws. This decisive action follows the tragic deaths of three IAS aspirants after the basement of a coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar was flooded due to heavy rain.
The affected areas included Shahdara (South Zone), Karol Bagh, and Najafgarh Zone, according to news agency ANI. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi highlighted the ongoing enforcement efforts in an X post, stating, “MCD’s sealing drive continues in East Delhi today. We are in the process of doing everything to set an example for all coaching centres that think of flouting rules.”
In Karol Bagh Zone, four basements operating as illegal libraries were sealed. In Shahdara South Zone, the MCD sealed the basements of four coaching centres and libraries, and in Najafgarh Zone, the basements of two coaching centres and libraries were sealed.
The MCD also issued notices to coaching centres and property owners for the misuse of property and violation of building bylaws across all zones. The MCD is conducting a citywide survey to identify additional properties violating rules in basements.
This crackdown underscores the MCD’s commitment to strictly enforcing building laws to ensure the safety and security of students and citizens. The recent fatalities have intensified scrutiny on the adherence to building regulations by educational institutions.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into the deaths of the three UPSC aspirants. The Delhi High Court transferred the case to the CBI last week due to perceived flaws in the Delhi Police’s investigation and concerns about potential corruption by public servants.
The MCD’s ongoing efforts aim to set a precedent for strict compliance with building regulations, ensuring that educational spaces prioritize the safety and well-being of their occupants.
