Exclusive: Make parental consent must before field visits, design wider trenches: IITD probe panel recommends SOPs in Lothal mishap

By | June 16, 2025
IIT Delhi students prepare for safe field trip after Lothal tragedy

After a fatal incident at the Lothal archaeological site in Gujarat, IIT-Delhi’s internal probe panel has suggested major safety reforms for student field trips. The committee now recommends that all institutions seek parental consent before off-campus visits and ensure wider, safer trenches at excavation sites.

This tragedy raised serious questions about student safety during academic excursions, especially those in remote or hazardous locations.

What Happened at Lothal?

In January 2024, an MTech student from IIT-Delhi’s Civil Engineering Department died after falling into a trench during a field trip to Lothal. The ancient site is part of the Indus Valley Civilization and attracts archaeology and engineering students from across the country.

The trench had no warning signs or barriers. It was narrow and deep. Because the area lacked emergency medical support, help arrived too late. The student could not be revived.

IIT-Delhi responded by setting up a five-member committee to investigate the tragedy and suggest preventive measures.

What Did the Committee Recommend?

The internal committee submitted its report recently. The document includes clear action points that IIT-Delhi and other institutes are likely to adopt.

1. Make Parental Consent Mandatory

The panel emphasized that parental consent forms must be collected before any off-campus field visit. While this is common in schools, it’s rare at the university level.

One committee member said, “Even if the students are adults, parents deserve to know where their children are going. It builds trust and accountability.”

2. Conduct Safety Risk Assessments Before Trips

Every field trip should begin with a risk assessment. Faculty members, site authorities, and safety experts must evaluate dangers like open trenches, deep pits, or lack of medical support.

This simple step can highlight potential hazards and allow trip organizers to plan accordingly.

3. Redesign Trenches for Safety

The panel gave specific suggestions to improve trench design. They said trenches should be:

  • Wider, to reduce the chance of accidental falls
  • Clearly marked, with signs in local and English languages
  • Fenced or covered when not in use

These steps can reduce the chances of future accidents, especially at sites like Lothal that attract many student groups.

4. Hold Pre-Visit Safety Briefings

Students and staff must attend safety training sessions before any visit. These sessions should explain:

  • Site-specific risks
  • How to respond during emergencies
  • What to avoid during site movement

The committee also advised that students wear protective gear, such as helmets and boots, at all times.

5. Ensure Emergency Response Support

One major issue during the Lothal visit was the lack of quick medical help. The committee wants trip organizers to coordinate with local health officials and ensure 24/7 emergency access.

For high-risk areas, the panel also suggested having paramedics on-site during the trip.

Student and Parent Reactions

Students gave mixed reactions to the recommendations. Some welcomed the changes. Others worried that too many rules might make field trips restrictive.

“I appreciate the safety focus, but I don’t want excessive paperwork to kill the joy of learning outside the classroom,” said a second-year MTech student.

Parents, however, supported the reforms. One parent said, “We trust IITs with our children. It’s good to know they are making safety a priority now.”

Archaeological Survey May Act Too

The committee shared its findings informally with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ASI officials confirmed they are reviewing safety at sites like Lothal, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.

Experts say India needs national trench safety standards. These should apply to all archaeological dig sites, whether under ASI or state control.

Next Steps for IIT-Delhi

IIT-Delhi’s Director is expected to officially release the SOP document soon. The institute may also reach out to other IITs and government bodies to create uniform field trip rules for all technical institutions.

The administration has also started reviewing its insurance and safety policies related to off-campus learning.

A Wake-Up Call for All Institutions

The Lothal incident reminds everyone that academic field trips need solid safety planning. Institutions can’t take student safety for granted, even on educational visits.

While exploring history and heritage is vital, so is returning home safe. The panel’s recommendations aim to strike that balance.