DDA restrict entry in park after sunset (Representative image)
DELHI: Amid backlash over safety concerns after three men allegedly gang-raped a 17-year-old girl at a park in the Kalkaji area three days ago, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday issued a set of safety measures for all its parks. The 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.
Delhi Lieutenant governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu met senior DDA officials and directed a comprehensive safety audit of all parks within one week, news agency PTI reported. The DDA said safety information boards displaying park rules, emergency contacts and public safety guidelines will be installed in all its parks within seven days, PTI reported. Police said all three accused have been arrested. (With agency inputs) You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
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. Where necessary, trained security personnel will also be considered,” the DDA said in a statement. Visitors will be encouraged to use well-lit pathways and illuminated areas of parks during evening hours,” officials said.
“During the interim period, DDA issued comprehensive directions to strengthen safety and security arrangements across all DDA parks in Delhi. The measures include increased vigilance by security personnel during evening hours, restricted access after sunset and installation of CCTV cameras at entry gates. “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. “Parks with multiple entry gates will adopt controlled entry arrangements after sunset by restricting access through selected gates before park closing time. They added that Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local stakeholders will actively help strengthen vigilance and promote community-based safety. Download the TOI App.