Study Rooms Exclusively for the Impoverished Managed by Local Governments
Three Indian students studying for exams were trapped and ultimately drowned in a basement illegally converted into a study room due to sudden rainwater flooding. Following the news, protests by angry students have continued across India.
On the 29th (local time), the British BBC reported that three exam candidates drowned in a basement of a building in Delhi, the capital of India. All three victims were in their 20s and reportedly died after being unable to escape the sudden flood of rainwater that rushed into the basement during heavy rains in Delhi on the 27th.
Since the incident, protests by students against illegally modified buildings have continued near Delhi. Local police have arrested seven people, including the building owner, on charges of illegal housing modification and negligence.
The basement filling with rainwater at the time of the accident. [Image source=India NDTV video capture]
The building where the accident occurred is known as the 'IAS Study Circle,' a three-story government-owned building. This building is rented out annually to thousands of poor students preparing for Indian civil service exams.
In India, where the 'civil service fever' is currently at its peak, it is common for poor students who have come from rural areas to live and study in such buildings.
The problem lies in the fact that the building, provided by the government for impoverished students, violated construction safety regulations. The building where the accident occurred had its basement illegally converted into a study room, and no safety measures were in place to prepare for sudden flooding.
According to an investigation by the Delhi Fire Department, the building was approved by the Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2021 with a construction plan for 'warehouse purposes.' However, it was illegally expanded to serve as a living and study space for students.
Regarding this, Atul Garg, the Chief of the Delhi Fire Department, pointed out in an interview with a local media outlet, "The space used as a study room was labeled as a warehouse and certified by the city authorities," adding, "This is a violation of construction-related regulations."
After the accident, the Delhi regional authorities conducted a full inspection of government buildings across the capital and have reportedly closed 12 study rooms so far.
The institution managing the building where the accident occurred issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of promising young people who were preparing to serve the nation with dedication and determination. However, hundreds of students are protesting across Delhi, demanding legal action against those responsible and compensation for the bereaved families.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
