Falling edifice: On the Delhi private hostel building collapse

A five-storey private hostel building collapse in Delhi, resulting in fatalities and injuries, has highlighted critical issues of haphazard urban development, severe shortage of affordable and safe student housing, and lax regulation in the capital. The article criticizes Delhi University for absolving itself of responsibility and points to private players exploiting the demand with unregulated, unsafe accommodations. It calls for the Delhi government and Centre to move beyond reactive measures, implement stringent policies for periodic structural audits and safety certifications for buildings used for public activity, and collaborate with educational institutions to develop durable solutions for student accommodation.