Chhattisgarh orders safety audits of schools, hostels after Delhi building collapse
After the Delhi building collapse, Vishnu Deo Sai ordered immediate safety audits of hostels, PGs and educational buildings across Chhattisgarh. The move aims to prevent further tragedies, with collectors and police chiefs held directly accountable.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday ordered immediate inspections and safety audits of hostels, paying guest accommodations, coaching centres, schools and large educational buildings across the state following a building collapse in Delhi earlier this week.
A 20-year-old student from Chhattisgarh’s Durg district was among the seven people killed in the collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on September 6.
At a high-level review meeting held through video conference from his official residence in Raipur, Sai said the safety of students and citizens was the government’s top priority.
SAFETY CHECKS ACROSS THE STATE
Addressing divisional commissioners, inspector general of police, collectors, superintendents of police and senior officials, Sai said administrative responsibility was not limited to taking action after an incident.
“Administrative responsibility is not limited to taking action after an incident. It is also our responsibility to identify potential risks in advance and eliminate them,” he said.
He directed officials to conduct immediate inspections and safety audits of hostels, PGs, coaching centres, schools and large educational buildings across all districts.
Sai said wherever safety-related deficiencies were found, the required improvements must be completed within fixed timelines.
OLD BUILDINGS UNDER THE SCANNER
The chief minister asked collectors and SPs to personally monitor the exercise regularly and ensure that the directions were implemented effectively on the ground.
He also directed officials to assess the condition of old and dilapidated buildings in schools, libraries, hostels and other public places.
Buildings found to be in a risky condition or posing a threat to human life should be identified and immediate action taken, he said.
Sai stressed the need for continuous monitoring instead of waiting for complaints or accidents, particularly at institutions used by children and students.
(With PTI inputs)