The directive was issued at a meeting chaired by Sandhu along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood to review the action taken after the Satya Niketan building collapse and chart out the way forward for students living in PG accommodations across Delhi.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, NDRF chief, MCD Commissioner, Delhi Police Commissioner, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor, DDA Vice-Chairman, Principal Secretary (Home), Principal Secretary (Education) and other senior officials from the departments concerned.
Officials were directed to conduct inspection drives at PG buildings, particularly premises suspected of violating height and floor restrictions. The MCD was also instructed to take stringent action against ongoing illegal construction and prevent further violations.
The meeting focused on strengthening emergency response mechanisms, including Delhi Police and NDRF deployment, while reducing emergency response times. Sandhu directed that a DDMA control room be made operational immediately to coordinate rescue operations, medical support, verified media updates and communication with victims’ families during disasters.
Tighter regulation of PG accommodations and coaching institutes was also discussed based on recommendations being prepared by the Justice Guha Committee.
The government reviewed measures to address the shortage of student housing by expanding accommodation through universities, the MCD and DDA. Officials discussed the possible use of vacant or underused DDA and MCD buildings and DDA housing stock for student accommodation.
The meeting also considered higher FAR for new hostels and redevelopment of existing ones, subject to safety norms. A committee comprising the DM, DCP and MCD’s Deputy Commissioner will reach out to students living in PGs and hear their concerns.
Officials further agreed to compile a comprehensive database of students staying in PG accommodations. A committee led by the Urban Development Minister will prepare a mid- and long-term plan to increase student accommodation in Delhi.
Sandhu said the problems faced by students living in PG accommodations required both immediate and long-term solutions, with regulatory checks and enforcement against unsafe buildings being an immediate priority. However, he cautioned against “mindless sealing drives”, saying such action could leave students homeless. He instead called for targeted inspections of premises that prima facie violate building norms.
The L-G also directed the Urban Development Minister to lead a committee to review institutional PG guidelines and explore alternative accommodation options. The DDA and L&DO were asked to support universities in securing approvals, NOCs and higher FAR for new hostels.
The meeting followed the collapse of a five-storey boys’ PG near Delhi University’s South Campus at around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was underway. Seven people were killed and at least six injured.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the collapse — property owner Urmila Gupta, 75, her husband Hariram Gupta, 81, a retired Indian Air Force sergeant, and their son Mahesh Gupta, 52.
According to police, the property was registered in Urmila Gupta’s name but was being managed and run by her husband and son. Police are also searching for the PG operators and labour contractor involved in the work, whose roles will be examined for further legal action.
The administration’s immediate focus is now on identifying unsafe PG buildings, strengthening emergency response and addressing the shortage of student accommodation while avoiding enforcement measures that could leave students without housing.
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