Delhi Mayor Orders Action Against Illegal Basements

In response to the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants due to flooding in a basement coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered a crackdown on illegal basement operations. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has begun sealing illegal basements and demolishing encroachments over stormwater drains, and several officials have faced disciplinary actions. The basement in question was only permitted for storage and parking, yet was being used as a library, a violation of building norms. Protests erupted from students demanding accountability, citing negligence in drainage management leading to the flooding. Mayor Oberoi has also called for an inquiry into the incident to hold any responsible officials accountable and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The police have initiated a criminal investigation, arresting two individuals connected to the incident.