Delhi University.
| Photo Credit: File photo

The Delhi University (DU) administration has recently issued a circular directing all college principals, department heads, hostel in-charges, and librarians to conduct thorough safety checks on their respective campuses. The instruction follows a series of incidents that raised concerns about the upkeep of infrastructure at DU and its affiliated colleges.

A fire broke out in the library of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce and a similar incident on Tuesday occurred when a fire erupted at the Department of Geology of DU. The fire incident in the library was due to a short circuit while computers caught fire in the Department of Geology. In April, a faculty member of Kalindi College was injured after a ceiling fan fell in a classroom.

“Yesterday, there was a fire in the Geology department. Recently, a fan had also fallen. We issued the circular to ensure that such incidents are avoided and that everything is in check by the time students return from their vacations and the new batch begins,” Ms. Rajni told The Hindu on Wednesday.

The circular directed the departments concerned in all colleges to inspect every room and toilet to verify that critical infrastructure, such as fire extinguishers, lifts, ramps for Persons with Disabilities, electrical fixtures, and water supply systems are in working condition.

“Please see that all the roofs and walls are in a proper and safe condition, all the electrical fittings, like fans, lights are in working condition and there is ample supply of drinking water and water in the toilet,” Ms. Rajni stated in the circular.