37-storey building will compromise safety of students: DU officials

New Delhi: The University of Delhi in its fresh petition in the Delhi High Court has stated that the 37-storey building which is to be constructed in Delhi University's North Campus will violate the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) and compromise the safety of students.

The petition further adds that the land was bought by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) from the Defence Ministry for Rs 42.4 crore. A part of it was then sold to a private builder for Rs 218 crore. Earlier this month, the university had moved NGT in the matter. The land on which the building is set to come up is near Vishwavidyalaya Metro station.

"We had moved the court in 2012, but lost the case in 2015… as the judgment said the area does not fall under North Campus. There is a problem with the judgment as the area is in Chatra Marg and is part of North Campus. So, building a 37-storey project is going against the MPD — a clause in it states tall buildings are not permitted in Civil Lines and North Campus area. How can DMRC sell public land to a private builder and compromise the security of students?" said Anil Aneja, OSD Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC).

"If the building is constructed, it will overlook two of our hostels, including a women's hostel. The greatest concern is for students who are visually impaired, and those with locomotor disability. There is so much congestion on that stretch… how will they commute if the building is constructed?" said Bipin Tewari, EOC, OSD. The next date of hearing in the case is in October.