Rau IAS Delhi Flooding: 13 Coaching Institutes Sealed for Misuse of Basements – Full List Released
A tragic incident in Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar has brought attention to the widespread misuse of basement spaces in the city. The deaths of three young civil service aspirants in a flooded coaching centre basement have prompted authorities to take action. The Master Plan of Delhi 2021 (MPD 2021) and Unified Building Bylaws (UBBL) 2016 provide clear guidelines on basement usage, yet violations are rampant.
Regulations and Violations:
MPD 2021 specifies that basements in residential and commercial buildings can only be used for storage, parking, and utility areas. Rau’s IAS Study Circle, located in Old Rajender Nagar, violated these regulations by using its basement as a library. Despite possessing a completion certificate from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) that restricted basement use, the coaching center continued to operate its library in the basement.
List of Sealed Coaching Institutes:
- IAS Gurukul
- Chahal Academy
- Sai Trading
- Guidance IAS
- Career Power
- IAS Setu
- Topper’s Academy
- Dainik Samwad
- Civil’s Daily IAS
- 99 Notes
- Vidya Guru
- Easy for IAS
- Plutus Academy
Widespread Misuse:
This issue is not isolated. Across Delhi, basements house gyms, restaurants, offices, and other establishments, creating potential hazards. While certain professionals like lawyers and doctors are permitted to operate in basements under UBBL 2016, and educational institutions can have study areas in basements, strict compliance with local laws is required.
Complaints and Enforcement:
A complaint about the illegal use of the basement at Rau’s IAS Study Circle was filed on June 26. The MCD and Delhi government were notified, but the MCD did not confirm receipt of the complaint. An official noted that the MCD zone officer was already under suspension for another pending complaint.
The Delhi government and MCD have now sealed 13 coaching institutes for unauthorized use of basements. This action is a direct response to the tragic flooding incident and aims to enforce compliance with safety regulations and prevent further loss of life.
