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The L-G also directed the Urban Development Minister to lead a committee to review institutional PG guidelines and explore alternative accommodation options.
The directive was issued at a meeting chaired by Delhi L-G along with CM Rekha Gupta and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood. (Image via X/@LtGovDelhi)
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Monday directed the Chief Secretary to ensure a structural safety audit of all buildings operating as paying guest (PG) accommodations in major PG hubs across the capital within a week.
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.
Those present at the meeting included 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.
Key points discussed in the meeting
The meeting discussed a range of measures to improve building safety, emergency response and student accommodation in Delhi.
Safety audits: The L-G ordered structural safety audits of all buildings operating as PGs in major PG hubs within a week.
Inspection drives: Officials were asked to inspect PG buildings, particularly those suspected of violating height and floor restrictions.
Illegal construction: The MCD was directed to take stringent action against ongoing illegal construction and prevent further violations.
Emergency response: The meeting discussed strengthening Delhi Police and NDRF deployment and reducing emergency response times. The L-G also 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.
PG regulation: Officials discussed tighter regulation of PG accommodations and coaching institutes, based on recommendations being prepared by the Justice Guha Committee.
Student housing shortage: The government discussed expanding accommodation through universities, the MCD and DDA, including the possible use of vacant or underused DDA and MCD buildings and DDA housing stock.
Hostel expansion: The meeting considered higher FAR for new hostels and redevelopment of existing ones, subject to safety norms.
Student grievances: A committee comprising the DM, DCP and MCD’s Deputy Commissioner will reach out to students living in PGs and hear their concerns.
Student database: Officials agreed to compile a comprehensive database of students staying in PG accommodations.
Long-term plan: A committee led by the Urban Development Minister will prepare a mid- and long-term plan to increase student accommodation in Delhi.
L-G stresses checks without creating panic
The L-G 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.
Sandhu 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.
Satya Niketan collapse aftermath
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.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ordered a structural safety audit of all paying guest (PG) accommodations in major PG hubs across the capital within a week. He also directed the MCD to take stringent action against illegal construction and for a DDMA control room to be made operational immediately for disaster coordination.
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Simran Babbar is a Senior Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering key developments in emerging sectors related to education and investigations. Through her reports, she brings significant updates from t…Read More
September 08, 2026, 01:37 IST
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