Archive · 15 Jun 2025
IIT Panel Recommends New Safety Protocols After Trench Collapse
A PhD student, Surabhi Verma, died when a trench she was working in collapsed during fieldwork.
An IIT Delhi committee investigated the incident.
The committee found a lack of safety protocols.
The committee suggested mandatory parental consent, selecting safer excavation sites away from traffic, and designing wider trenches for safe entry and exit.
The police are investigating Surabhi's guide for negligence.
IIT Delhi committee recommends safety changes after a PhD scholar died in a trench collapse near Lothal.
Recommendations include securing permissions from parents and the HOD and selecting safer excavation sites.
The committee noted the absence of safety protocols and lack of field photographs.
The trench collapsed in an alluvial plain outside the protected area of Lothal.
An FIR was filed against Prof. Dixit for causing death by negligence.
- Who
- Surabhi Verma, a PhD student, died. Her guide, Prof. Yama Dixit, was involved. An IIT Delhi committee investigated.
- What
- A PhD scholar died in a trench collapse during fieldwork near the Harappan site of Lothal.
- When
- The incident occurred late last year and the committee was formed in March 2025.
- Where
- Near the Harappan site of Lothal in Gujarat, outside the protected area.
- Why
- The trench collapse was deemed an accident. The committee was formed to review safety protocols and suggest changes.
Findings of the IIT Delhi Committee
Police Investigation
Cause of Death
Findings of the IIT Delhi Committee
The trench collapse was an accident.
Police Investigation
The death of Surabhi Verma could be due to negligence.
- Victim
- Surabhi Verma, PhD student
- Location
- Near Lothal, Gujarat
- Investigation Committee
- IIT Delhi
- Committee Chair
- Javed N. Malik of IIT Kanpur
- FIR Filed Against
- Prof. Yama Dixit
- Charges
- Causing death by negligence