Delhi University Colleges Open Campuses to Support Students After Satya Niketan PG Collapse
New Delhi, Sep 2026: Several Delhi University colleges in the South Campus area have stepped in to support students affected by the deadly collapse of a paying guest (PG) hostel building in Satya Niketan, opening their premises to those unable to safely return to their accommodations.
At least six people have died in the building collapse, while five others have been rescued. Rescue teams continued searching through the debris for people who may still be trapped. A number of students are feared to be among those affected, as several Delhi University students reportedly lived in PG accommodations in and around Satya Niketan.
In view of the tragedy, Aryabhatta College, Motilal Nehru College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma (ARSD) College and Sri Venkateshwara College announced holidays on Monday. The decision came as concerns grew over the safety of students living in the locality and the impact of the incident on nearby campuses.
Several colleges have also offered temporary assistance to students who cannot access their PGs or are reluctant to return to the area. Aryabhatta College and ARSD College informed students facing accommodation difficulties that their premises could be used as temporary safe spaces. The facilities are intended to provide students with shelter and basic necessities such as food and water.
A student of Motilal Nehru College told IANS that the institution remained closed on Monday because of the incident and the presence of college students in the affected area.
“Our college is closed today because of the incident that happened yesterday at Satya Niketan, where the PG collapsed. There were many students from our college there as well, which is why it is closed today,” the student said.
The collapse has also triggered renewed concerns among students over the condition of buildings in the densely populated locality. Students living in the area said apprehensions about structural safety have existed for a long time, particularly among those searching for affordable accommodation close to their colleges.
A student at the collapse site said the condition of buildings in the locality often leaves residents frightened.
“We feel scared from the very day we come to this area looking for a PG. That's because look at these buildings; if you go further into the narrow lanes, just looking at the condition of these buildings will exhaust and terrify you,” the student said.
The student also expressed concern that other emergencies, including fires, could have severe consequences because of the narrow lanes, poor building conditions and close proximity of structures.
Despite these concerns, many students continue to live in Satya Niketan because of its proximity to Delhi University campuses and limited accommodation options. The student said first-year students, in particular, often depend on PGs in the area before moving to flats farther away during their second or third years.
“We are living here simply out of helplessness; we have very limited choices because it is close to the colleges. Generally, it's mostly first-year students who stay here. By the second and third years, students shift to flats further away. Nobody genuinely wants to live here,” the student said.
The tragedy has therefore raised broader questions about the safety of student accommodation in densely populated areas surrounding major educational institutions. For now, Delhi University colleges are providing temporary support as rescue operations continue and affected students seek safer accommodation.
