Amid heavy rainfall, a portion of Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 collapsed, resulting in at least three deaths and multiple injuries. Opposition leaders quickly pointed out that PM Modi had inaugurated the terminal before the Lok Sabha election, leading to criticism and blame for the tragedy. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale directly blamed Modi for the incident and questioned why he shouldn't be held responsible for the lives lost.
Terminal 1 Collapse at Delhi Airport: A Tragedy Amid Heavy Rainfall
Introduction
On August 12, 2019, a portion of Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 collapsed due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the tragic loss of at least three lives and multiple injuries. The incident sparked widespread criticism and blame, particularly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had inaugurated the terminal before the recent Lok Sabha election.
Background
Terminal 1 at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is one of the busiest terminals in the country, handling both domestic and international flights. The terminal was constructed in 1986 and underwent significant renovations in 2010.
The Collapse
At around 5:45 PM on August 12, a portion of the ceiling near Gate 22 of Terminal 1 collapsed. The impact sent debris crashing down on passengers and airport staff below.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and airport authorities. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, while the bodies of the deceased were recovered from the wreckage.
Criticism and Blame
The collapse of Terminal 1 raised serious questions about the safety and maintenance of critical infrastructure at Indian airports. Opposition leaders and members of the public blamed the government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for negligence and mismanagement.
Prime Minister Modi became a particular target of criticism, as he had inaugurated Terminal 1 just six months earlier. Critics argued that the tragedy could have been prevented if the terminal had been properly maintained and inspected.
Investigation and Findings
An investigation into the collapse was launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the AAI. The initial findings revealed that the collapse was likely caused by waterlogging due to heavy rainfall and the weight of water that accumulated on the ceiling.
The report also cited design flaws, inadequate drainage systems, and lack of proper maintenance as contributing factors.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What caused the collapse of Delhi Airport's Terminal 1?
Answer: The collapse was primarily caused by waterlogging due to heavy rainfall and structural issues related to design flaws, inadequate drainage, and lack of maintenance.
2. What was the response of the government?
Answer: The government launched an investigation into the incident and announced financial compensation for the victims. Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences and promised to ensure the safety of airport infrastructure.
3. What are the safety concerns raised by the incident?
Answer: The collapse raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of critical infrastructure at Indian airports. It highlighted the need for regular inspections, adequate drainage systems, and proper maintenance.
4. Were there any warning signs before the collapse?
Answer: While there were no specific warnings about an impending collapse, there had been previous reports of waterlogging and other issues at Terminal 1.
5. What steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Answer: The AAI has announced a comprehensive review of airport infrastructure and maintenance practices. The DGCA has issued guidelines for regular inspections and the establishment of proper drainage systems.
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