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Delhi Parks Lack CCTV, Lighting: Audit
Confirmed
In Short: The audit, conducted in response to a gangrape incident in a Kalkaji park, also found that 520 parks require additional lighting.
According to a security audit ordered by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, only 16 of the 736 parks managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have CCTV cameras installed.
The audit, conducted in response to a gangrape incident in a Kalkaji park, also found that 520 parks require additional lighting.
The DDA has categorized 190 parks as 'high risk,' identifying issues such as night-time infiltration, local nuisance, encroachment, crime-prone surroundings, dense forest areas, and drug-related activities.
In addition to CCTV installation, the DDA has initiated night patrolling in 245 major parks and provided bike patrolling in large parks with hooters for faster coverage.
The audit also highlighted boundary-related vulnerabilities in 399 parks, with repairs made to 233 of them.
The DDA has activated biometric attendance for security guards in 602 parks and plans to expand this to all DDA parks.
Background
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is a statutory body established under the Delhi Development Act, 1957, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India to "promote and secure the development of Delhi".
What's confirmed
- According to a security audit ordered by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, only 16 of the 736 parks managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have CCTV cameras installed.
- The audit, conducted in response to a gangrape incident in a Kalkaji park, also found that 520 parks require additional lighting.
- The DDA has categorized 190 parks as 'high risk,' identifying issues such as night-time infiltration, local nuisance, encroachment, crime-prone surroundings, dense forest areas, and drug-related activities.
- In addition to CCTV installation, the DDA has initiated night patrolling in 245 major parks and provided bike patrolling in large parks with hooters for faster coverage.
- The audit also highlighted boundary-related vulnerabilities in 399 parks, with repairs made to 233 of them.
- The DDA has activated biometric attendance for security guards in 602 parks and plans to expand this to all DDA parks.
What's still developing
- The Indian Express had reported about the pitch darkness because of lack of functioning lamps and the absence of CCTV cameras in the 142-acre Aastha Kunj Park.
- Based on the audit, DDA also identified another 323 parks for installing new CCTVs.
- DDA also identified 163 parks with issues in gates and access security, where unlockable gates need to be converted into lockable ones.
- It also found boundary-related vulnerabilities in 399 parks, and said that repair of missing grill work has since been addressed in 233 of these.
- On remedial measures, DDA said that it is carrying out night patrolling in 245 major parks in the Capital.
- “Large parks have been provided with bike patrolling for faster coverage, with hooters where required, to ensure quick response to incidents. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are under progress for patrolling, guard performance, supervisor accountability, attendance, reporting and police coordination,” said an official.
- Parks flagged as ‘high risk’ by the authority include Aastha Kunj — where the 17-year-old was gangraped on September 21 — green area at Hastsal, District Park Hauz Khas, green area at Maa Anandmayi Marg, Sanjay Lake, Jahanpanah City Forest, Ridge and forest areas, and biodiversity parks along the Yamuna floodplains.
- The report had also highlighted that several parks, including District Park Hauz Khas and Bonta Park near the Northern Ridge, lack proper lighting, even at night.