New Delhi, Sep 23 Amid backlash over safety issues after three men gangraped a 17-year-old girl at a park in the Kalkaji area three days ago, the DDA on Wednesday issued a set of safety measures for all its parks.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu met with senior Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officials and directed a comprehensive safety audit of all parks within one week.
“During the interim period, DDA issued comprehensive directions to strengthen safety and security arrangements across all DDA parks in Delhi. Taking cognisance of the matter, DDA initiated a series of preventive and citizen-centric measures to enhance public safety in parks under its jurisdiction,” officials said.
The security measures include increased vigilance by security personnel during evening hours, restricted access after sunset, installation of CCTV cameras at entry gates, and other steps.
“A time-bound assessment of parks is being undertaken to identify dark spots and install additional lighting, floodlights, and other illumination wherever required. Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable entry points and poorly lit locations based on risk assessment. Where necessary, trained security personnel will also be considered,” the DDA said in a statement.
Within seven days, safety information boards displaying park rules, emergency contacts, and public safety guidelines will be installed in all DDA parks, it said.
“Parks with multiple entry gates will adopt controlled entry arrangements after sunset by restricting access through selected gates before park closing time. Visitors will be encouraged to use well-lit pathways and illuminated areas of parks during evening hours,” officials said.
They said Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local stakeholders will actively help strengthen vigilance and promote community-based safety.
DDA manages over 16,000 acres of green assets, including 675 parks, biodiversity zones, city forests, regional parks and neighbourhood gardens.
Police said the incident occurred on Monday evening, when the teenage girl from Faridabad went to Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir with her male friend, also aged 17.
Police said they have arrested all three accused.
(PTI News)
