A month after coaching centre deaths, Old Rajinder Nagar struggles to recover
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 28
A month after the tragic flooding incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, which claimed the lives of three Civil Services aspirants, the area continues to grapple with the aftermath. Despite the return of daily routines, including the reopening of coaching centres and food stalls, signs of the disaster remain.
During a ground inspection on Wednesday, the streets of Old Rajinder Nagar appeared to have returned to their usual bustle. However, the consequences of last month’s flooding are still visible. Piles of dirt line the roads, and recent rains have once again turned the area into a muddy mess. The scene at the devastated Kumar Book Centre, located in a basement, serves as a stark reminder of the disaster.
“Last month, our bookstore was submerged, and all the books were soaked,” said Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, an employee of the store. “We’re still drying the books, turning pages one by one to make sure they’re readable again,” he added.
While students have resumed their routines, attending classes and frequenting local eateries, some of the area’s landmarks, like the barricades surrounding Rau’s IAS Study Circle and ongoing Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) work on the sewage line, remind residents of the recent tragedy. “One wouldn’t think anything had happened here if not for the barricades and MCD work,” commented a passerby.
The impact of flooding has been severe on local businesses.
Paramjeet Singh, who runs the popular food van “Sardar Ji Ka Shudh Ghar Ka Punjabi Khana”, shared his experience: “I’ve been here for 10 years, and flooding has always been an issue. Just a small rain can lead to severe flooding. Even after the tragedy, a recent rain caused flooding again.”
Long-term residents echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the area has struggled with flooding for decades. Vikram, a former resident who now lives in London and visits his old home every summer, recalled, “I was born here and lived in Rajinder Nagar until 1988. Flooding was a problem even then, with manhole covers flying off due to water pressure. Over the years, the situation hasn’t improved; it’s only gotten worse.”
Students in the area have also voiced concerns about the flooding and its impact on their studies. Atero, a 22-year-old aspirant, said, “Flooding still happens, so nothing has really changed. Academically, things have shifted — before the incident, we had offline classes during the monsoon, but now Vajiram and Ravi have moved to online classes to prioritise our safety.”
Another student, Mimansha, a 20-year-old aspirant, added, “I wasn’t here during the incident, but living conditions remain the same. The cost of living is too high for such cramped spaces.” Veer, another student, expressed frustration with the lack of improvements, stating, “The situation hasn’t really improved. Library fees have skyrocketed by more than 80 per cent, most underground libraries have closed down, and there’s no regulation on room rent or student safety in the area.”
Attempts to reach MCD councillor Arti Chawla for comment were unsuccessful. She deferred the conversation for another day and did not respond to further calls and messages from The Tribune.
Streets still muddy, businesses suffer
I’ve been here for 10 years, and flooding has always been an issue. Just a light rain can lead to severe flooding. Even after the tragedy, a recent rain caused flooding again. — Paramjeet Singh, owner of a food van
The situation hasn’t really improved. Library fees have skyrocketed by more than 80 per cent, most underground libraries have closed down, and there’s no regulation on room rent or student safety in the area. — Veer, A student
