Chhattisgarh Orders Safety Audits of Schools, Hostels After Delhi Collapse
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered immediate safety inspections of hostels, PGs, schools and educational buildings across the state after the Delhi building collapse.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered immediate inspections and safety audits of hostels, paying-guest accommodations, coaching centres, schools and large educational buildings across the state following the building collapse in Delhi earlier this week.
A 20-year-old student from Durg district in Chhattisgarh was among the seven people killed when a building collapsed in Delhi's Satya Niketan area on September 6. The incident has prompted authorities in Chhattisgarh to conduct a wider review of the safety of buildings used by students and the public.
During a high-level review meeting held through video conference from his official residence in Raipur, Sai said protecting students and citizens was a priority. He directed divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, collectors, superintendents of police and other senior officials to begin inspections across districts.
The Chief Minister said administrative responsibility should not be limited to responding after an accident. Authorities must identify potential hazards in advance and take steps to eliminate them, he said.
The inspections will cover hostels, PG accommodations, coaching centres, schools and large educational buildings throughout the state. Officials have been instructed to identify safety deficiencies and ensure that necessary corrective measures are completed within specified timelines.
Collectors and superintendents of police have also been asked to personally monitor the inspection exercise and regularly review implementation. The aim is to ensure that safety directions result in action on the ground rather than remaining limited to administrative instructions.
Special attention will be given to old and dilapidated buildings, including those housing schools, libraries, hostels and other public facilities. Officials have been directed to identify structures that may pose a risk to human life and take immediate action where serious safety concerns are found.
The Chief Minister stressed that building safety should be monitored continuously rather than being reviewed only after complaints, accidents or other emergencies. The directive places particular emphasis on facilities used by children and students, where unsafe infrastructure could pose significant risks.
The state-wide audit is intended to identify structural and other safety concerns early and ensure that deficiencies are addressed before they result in accidents.
