Days after a multi-storeyed building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan claimed seven lives, residents have demanded strict action against operators they described as “PG mafias”, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has begun action against an adjoining building declared dangerous.
The demands have brought renewed focus among residents on the safety of paying guest accommodations in the area, with locals alleging that authorities often act only after a tragedy. The MCD initiated action against the building next to the collapsed structure after declaring it dangerous.
Undergraduate student Ayush said authorities should have acted earlier, claiming that a notice had been issued to the concerned PG about a month before the collapse but the facility continued to operate. He questioned why enforcement measures were taken only after students had lost their lives.
Ayush also sought the resignation of the MCD Commissioner, alleging that political interests were taking precedence over public safety. He called for strict action against operators of PG accommodations and said students were paying between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000 for a single bed despite what he described as a lack of facilities.
He also urged the government and colleges to expand hostel accommodation for students to reduce their dependence on private PG facilities.
Local resident Priyanka called for the demolition of all “dilapidated buildings” in the area, warning that another structural failure could result in further loss of life. She also raised concerns about hotels in the locality, alleging that several were in poor condition and could pose risks to people using them.
The displacement of students following the collapse has also emerged as a concern. Priyanka alleged that students leaving PG accommodations had been forced to seek shelter at gurudwaras, where they were also being provided food. She questioned why government agencies had not stepped forward to assist them.
The incident has also affected businesses operating around the locality. Pradeep, a salesman, said he was returning after the stationery shop where he delivered goods shut following the building collapse on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police arrested PG operator Sudhanshu on Wednesday in connection with the collapse. His arrest took the total number of arrests in the case to five.
The residents’ demands come as authorities take action against the adjoining building, with concerns extending beyond the collapsed structure to the safety of other buildings and accommodation facilities in the area.
