Satya Niketan residents flag waterlogging and unsafe construction after hostel collapse

New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Residents of Satya Niketan on Sunday alleged persistent waterlogging, unchecked construction and failures by building owners and civic agencies after a five-storey boys' hostel collapsed in the area.

The collapse left three students dead and several others injured. Union Health Minister J P Nadda spoke to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and assured full support from the central government.

Residents said repair work was underway in the building's basement because of water accumulation. They alleged the structure was around 50 years old and had not been properly maintained.

The building, known as Hostel Daze, stood in a congested lane near Delhi University's South Campus. It housed students attending nearby colleges.

Locals alleged that several buildings in the area had been converted into paying guest accommodation without adequate safety checks. They called for an audit of such properties and action against those responsible for violations.

Residents also said narrow lanes and crowds complicated access for emergency vehicles after the collapse.

Police, fire service personnel and National Disaster Response Force teams carried out rescue operations at the site. Authorities identified the building's owner and formed teams to trace him.

Nadda spoke to Gupta and senior officials to review the rescue and treatment arrangements. He assured the Delhi government of all necessary central assistance.

Nadda directed AIIMS and other central government hospitals in Delhi to provide all possible medical assistance to those injured, official sources said.

(With inputs from PTI)