Coaching centre deaths: Clean all Rajender Nagar drains in two days, Delhi HC directs civic authorities | Delhi News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court has directed authorities to remove all encroachments on drains in the Rajinder Nagar area by Friday.
This order follows the recent deaths at a coaching center in the area.
Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar submitted a general inquiry report to minister Atishi on Tuesday, following the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants who drowned in the flooded basement library of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar.
The report, prepared by superintending Engineer Ajay Kumar Nagpal, outlined several contributing factors to the incident.
The report noted that the road in question is designated as a commercial street under the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD), leading many property owners to convert their properties into commercial establishments.
To facilitate access, these property users have constructed ramps across the entire width of their plots, obstructing the flow of stormwater into the drainage system during heavy rains.
The report highlighted that many property owners have covered the existing drainage system (measuring 2.50×3.00 feet) with materials like granite, marble, or kota stone.
The manholes, which would typically allow for cleaning and maintenance of the drains, have also been sealed with these finishing materials, making it impossible to clear blockages.
The report further explained that the road profile from Shankar Road to Pusa Road is saucer-shaped, with the lowest point located in front of Rau’s IAS Coaching Institute.
This area, spanning 200 feet, tends to accumulate water during heavy rains. Vehicles passing through the waterlogged stretch exacerbate the flooding by causing splashes.
Moreover, the plinth level of the affected property is lower than that of neighboring buildings, worsening the flooding issue.