Five Killed After Structure Collapses Near Humayun's Tomb in Delhi
A wall of a dargah near the Humayun's Tomb complex in Delhi collapsed on Friday, killing five people and injuring four others. The incident occurred as people were sheltering from rain inside a room of the structure. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, conducted rescue operations. Authorities clarified that the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself was not damaged, as the collapse involved a new structure being built on the periphery. The tragedy has raised concerns about construction safety in the area.
Unpacked:
A dargah is a shrine built over the grave of a revered religious figure, often a Sufi saint. Many dargahs are found near historic sites in Delhi due to the city's rich Islamic and Mughal history. The presence of a dargah near Humayun’s Tomb reflects the area's longstanding religious and cultural significance.
Construction near UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India is regulated by laws such as the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, which restricts new construction within set buffer zones and requires special permissions to ensure the site's integrity and protection from damage.
Humayun’s Tomb itself has not faced major recent safety issues. The complex has undergone extensive restoration since the late 20th century, focusing on conservation and authentic repairs, with close supervision to prevent structural problems and preserve the site's integrity.
Authorities typically conduct investigations into such incidents, assess the quality of recent construction, and may strengthen oversight or enforcement of safety regulations in the area. Public and official attention often leads to reviews of building practices to prevent similar tragedies.