New Delhi: In the wake of recent safety incidents across its campuses, Delhi University (DU) has issued a directive mandating comprehensive safety inspections at all its affiliated colleges. The university has instructed college principals, department heads, hostel supervisors, and librarians to carry out detailed assessments to ensure that campus infrastructure is safe and well-maintained for students and staff.The circular follows several alarming incidents. A fire broke out in the library of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce due to a short circuit, and a similar blaze was reported on Tuesday in the university’s Department of Geology when computers caught fire. Earlier in April, a faculty member at Kalindi College was reportedly injured when a ceiling fan fell in a classroom. These events have sparked serious concerns about the physical condition of DU’s facilities.“It is requested that after the examinations end and the vacation period begins, a thorough survey be conducted in all rooms and toilets of your institution. Please ensure that all roofs and walls are structurally sound, electrical fittings such as fans and lights are functioning, there is enough provision for drinking water and adequate supply of toilet water,” stated the circular issued by DU Proctor Rajni Abbi.The notice further added, “Please ensure that lifts are operational, ramps for students with disabilities are repaired, and fire extinguishers are in working condition. If your building requires whitewashing, please get it done. This directive follows a few incidents reported from various colleges.”A senior university official underscored the urgency of the inspections. “The recent fire in the geology department, along with the incident involving the ceiling fan, led to the issuance of this circular. Our priority is to prevent such mishaps in the future and ensure that all safety measures are firmly in place before students return from vacation and the new academic session begins,” the official said.The directive calls for thorough checks of all rooms and restrooms, with specific focus on fire safety equipment, elevators, accessibility features for students with disabilities, electrical systems, and water supply infrastructure. It also emphasises the need to verify the structural integrity of buildings and maintain hygienic and functional sanitation facilities.
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