New Delhi: Broken boundary walls, missing CCTV cameras, and no security guard in sight.
At the Indira Gandhi Mahila pink park in Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Trilokpuri, the problems were more pronounced. Because they were concerned about women’s safety, maintenance workers said no security personnel were deployed at the park, adding they stayed on the premises. Following the Aastha Kunj Park gang rape last month that sparked concerns over women’s safety in city parks, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) announced plans to develop pink parks in every ward. However, a spot check by TOI of three existing facilities Thursday revealed not just a glaring absence of basic safety measures, but also poor maintenance like locked washrooms, accumulated garbage and stagnant water.
Locals said the park has not had CCTV cameras or security guards for a long time. Maintenance workers present at the spot said women might not feel safe visiting the park without security arrangements, particularly after 5pm. At the small pink park near Mirdard Road, located near Maulana Azad Dental College, the main gate was locked, with only a narrow side gate left open. The park appeared deserted, with limited space for walking and gym equipment occupying part of the premises. The washroom was locked and chained, garbage lay piled nearby, and rainwater had accumulated. There was neither a security guard nor any CCTV cameras. By comparison, the Parda Bagh pink park in Daryaganj was spacious and relatively well-maintained. Workers were cleaning the grounds and trimming overgrown grass. However, a broken section of the boundary wall opened the park to an adjoining lane lined with mechanic workshops and two-wheeler repair shops. People were seen entering through the damaged section, with some using the premises to urinate. Despite the park being exclusively designated for women and children below five years, TOI spotted some men and a group of school students, including those in classes XI and XII. The large green space appeared neglected, with overgrown vegetation, garbage scattered across the premises and stagnant water. There was no security guard on duty, and the park had no visitors. They expressed concerns about possible snatching incidents in the area. Men and young children were seen inside the premises, raising questions about how entry restrictions at the women-only facility were being enforced.
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Earlier this week, MCD standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma directed the horticulture department to identify suitable locations for ‘pink pinks’, aimed at providing women with safe, convenient and welcoming spaces for morning and evening walks and recreation.