Delhi’s infra-governance problem

E very year, news of an infrastructural disaster in Delhi taking precious student lives sends shock-waves across the nation. Investigations into enforcement of building bye-laws, suspension of officials, and arrest of landlords gain momentum for some time and slowly settle down until yet another year invokes a fresh infrastructural horror. It is Satya Niketan now, it was a flooded basement in Rajinder Nagar two years ago. Delhi houses millions of students who move to the city either to join premier institutes or to prepare for competitive government exams. This influx of students has created a sprawling ecosystem of largely unregulated Paying Guest (PG) accommodations and coaching centres.