PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has intensified its checking drive at paying guest (PG) accommodations in Dehradun in the aftermath of a PG building collapse in South Delhi’s Satya Niketan, said the officials on Tuesday, adding that the drive has been launched to address fresh concerns over the safety of students living in PGs, in areas with high student concentration. Notably, most PGs in the city are located around Premnagar, Karanpur, Clement Town and Sahastradhara.
The MDDA secretary Mohan Singh Barnia said that the body had already started checking PGs on the outskirts of the city. “However, the drive has now been intensified following the Delhi incident. We have directed engineers and assistant engineers to conduct regular checks and ensure compliance with the rules at PGs,” he said.
A social media search by this reporter has found more than 1,000 PGs operating across Dehradun. A visit to Karanpur found several PGs operating in narrow lanes, raising concerns about emergency access and student safety.
A student living in Karanpur said he shares a room with a roommate on the third floor because the accommodation is close to his college. “The building has narrow stairs and small rooms,” he added.
The investigation has also found that some PGs lack security guards, lifts and proper drinking water facilities. Dampness and poor ventilation were also reported at several accommodations.
The students welcomed the intensified checks on the part of MDDA, hoping that such checks would ensure that PG buildings meet the basic fire and safety standards before housing large numbers of students.
