A student from Bihar, Ritvika Venkateshwar (name changed), a first-year student who arrived in Delhi about two months ago, lives in a private Paying Guest (PG) accommodation in the Satya Niketan area. Following an incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 13:30, she is experiencing intense fear and cannot sleep normally.
According to Ritvika, after the event, students spent the entire night searching for a safe place using their mobile phone lights. Their main concern was the feeling of personal safety in the building where they lived. Furthermore, she is worried about the tangled network of wires outside the building, which causes constant fear of possible accidents.
When a reporter from AajTak visited Ritvika, she saw that her PG was just steps away from the collapsed building. She was also shown the network of wires in the area, where issues with cementing, narrow passages, and dangerous electrical lines were visible.
Ritvika shared that her roommate was preparing for an exam, but due to the incident and the resulting fear, she could not sleep all night. She also noted that despite paying high fees, basic amenities, including electricity, are not provided. Her roommate was taking the SSC exam, but there was no electricity all day, causing her great concern about being able to study.
Ultimately, she had to pack her bags and find a place to study nearby. She emphasized that students come here for education and a future, but if the question of safety constantly worries them at night, studying becomes extremely difficult. According to her, her relatives are also very worried after the incident and constantly worry about her safety.
The Satya Niketan area, located near the Delhi University campus, is a popular PG area among students. Many students live here. However, students note that they have to spend significant amounts on accommodation. Nevertheless, questions arise regarding safety and basic conditions in several places. Ritvika claims that large sums are demanded for accommodation, and PG signs and posters are visible everywhere in the area. The question arises: who will be responsible for safety if students pay such large sums?
Ritvika spoke not only about the cost of living but also that everything here is very expensive. She mentioned that many talented students cannot come here because college tuition is low, but the costs of accommodation and food are too high. Living here is unaffordable for everyone, but those who do risk their lives.
After the incident, Ritvika's concern is not limited to her personal safety; she is also worried about her parents. She says that her family is in shock and constantly wonders about the condition of her children in Delhi and who is responsible for their safety. Students demand that the safety of youth living in PGs and rented accommodations be taken seriously. Buildings, electrical wiring systems, emergency exits, and other essential amenities must be regularly inspected for safety.
Students believe that young people who live far from home for studies should receive not just a place to live, but also a safe and conducive environment. Parents send their children to big cities for education, and any negligence regarding their safety is a serious problem for students and their families.