A comprehensive safety audit of 736 parks managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has revealed significant security lapses, prompting an urgent overhaul of safety measures. The audit, conducted in response to recent incidents and at the behest of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, has identified 190 parks as high-risk, necessitating immediate intervention.
Extensive Audit Highlights Widespread Security Gaps
The Delhi Development Authority has completed a thorough safety audit encompassing all 736 parks under its purview. The findings, released following directions from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to assess and improve safety arrangements, have categorized parks into high-risk (190), medium-risk (258), and low-risk (288) groups. This classification aims to prioritize interventions in areas most in need of enhanced security.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that significant gaps exist in critical areas such as illumination, access control, surveillance, and boundary security. The audit revealed that 520 parks require additional lighting, with immediate work commencing in 231 of these. Lighting enhancements have already been completed in 106 parks following the audit conducted last week.
Furthermore, the DDA has identified 163 parks where access security needs strengthening, specifically through the conversion of unlockable gates into lockable ones. This measure is expected to help regulate entry and improve overall security, especially during non-operational hours.
Surveillance and Physical Security Enhancements Underway
CCTV surveillance remains a critical concern, with the audit revealing its limited presence, currently available in only 16 parks. To address this, 323 additional parks have been earmarked for the installation of CCTV cameras. This initiative aims to bolster monitoring capabilities and provide crucial evidence in case of any untoward incidents.
Boundary security is also a significant focus, with repair and replacement of missing grills being addressed in 233 of the 399 parks identified for such interventions. Vulnerable areas, including those around toilets and abandoned structures, have also been flagged for corrective action to mitigate potential risks.
In an effort to enhance safety after dark, night patrolling has been initiated in 245 major parks. Bike patrolling has also been introduced across all high-risk parks to ensure faster coverage and a more visible security presence. The DDA has further identified 134 parks that will require the deployment of armed guards to bolster security arrangements.
Implementing Measures for Enhanced Safety and Accountability
The DDA is implementing a multi-pronged approach to address the identified security vulnerabilities. Safety information boards have been installed in 115 parks, with an additional 484 signages currently under implementation. These boards are intended to provide essential information and guidance to park visitors.
To ensure accountability among security personnel, biometric attendance has been activated in 602 parks, with implementation ongoing in the remaining facilities. The DDA has also facilitated better coordination with law enforcement agencies by sharing contact details of local police and beat officers with its field staff, and vice versa. Personnel are also being sensitised on incident reporting and police coordination procedures.
Standard operating procedures are being developed to cover aspects such as patrolling, guard performance, supervisor accountability, attendance, incident reporting, and police coordination. Meetings with resident welfare associations have also commenced to identify and address park-specific concerns. Weekly inspections by senior officers are being conducted to monitor compliance and ensure the effectiveness of the implemented measures.
The Chenab Times News Desk