Days After Alleged Rape Of 17-Year-Old, Delhi Tightens Security At Parks After Sunset
New Delhi: Days after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped at Astha Kunj, a Delhi Development Authority (DDA)-maintained park near Kalkaji Mandir, authorities have moved to strengthen security at parks across the capital.
The DDA has ordered several measures to be implemented immediately, including restricting access through selected gates after sunset, increasing CCTV surveillance, improving lighting and stepping up night patrols.
The directions were issued by the DDA Vice Chairman as officials also prepare to conduct a wider safety audit of parks across Delhi.
Controlled Entry After Sunset
Under the new arrangements, DDA parks with multiple entry points will have controlled access during late hours. After sunset and until the scheduled closing time, visitors may be allowed to enter and exit only through designated gates.
Security guards and field staff have also been instructed to remain particularly vigilant during the evening and night.
The DDA will conduct a time-bound assessment to identify areas that are dark, poorly lit or considered vulnerable. Additional lights and floodlights will be installed wherever necessary.
CCTV coverage will also be expanded, particularly around main entrances and other locations identified as vulnerable. The aim is to improve surveillance and enable a quicker response if an incident occurs.
Additional security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable gates and poorly lit areas based on risk assessments. Trained security staff may also be assigned to locations where officials consider them necessary.
What Happened At Astha Kunj?
The new measures follow the alleged gang-rape of a teenager at Astha Kunj on Monday evening, which has brought renewed attention to safety at public parks after dark.
According to police, the 17-year-old had visited the Kalkaji Mandir area with a male friend before the two entered the park.
Police have alleged that three men approached them while posing as policemen. The men allegedly threatened the pair and separated them before the girl was sexually assaulted.
All three accused have since been arrested, according to police.
More Night Patrols, Closer Checks On Guards
The incident has also prompted the DDA to review how security personnel are deployed and monitored at its parks.
Attendance, patrolling and the performance of guards will now be subject to closer checks through regular field inspections.
Night patrols around parks will be increased, with the DDA coordinating with relevant agencies to arrange additional bike patrols during late hours.
Coordination with the Delhi Police will also be strengthened. Suspicious or illegal activity noticed inside or around parks is to be reported promptly for necessary action.
The DDA also plans to involve Resident Welfare Associations and other local stakeholders in improving vigilance and encouraging community participation in park safety.
Safety Boards To Be Installed
Visitors will be encouraged to remain in well-lit areas of parks during evening hours.
The DDA has also directed that safety information boards be installed at all its parks within seven days. These boards will contain park rules, emergency contact numbers and other public safety information.
Field officers have been instructed to implement the measures on priority and regularly review security arrangements.
The DDA said it would work with the Delhi Police, RWAs and other stakeholders to make public parks safer and more accessible for women, children, senior citizens and other visitors.
Safety Audit To Examine Park Security
The immediate measures will be accompanied by a broader safety audit ordered after the Astha Kunj incident.
According to the directions cited in the report, the audit is scheduled to begin on Thursday and be completed within a week. Officials will examine issues including lighting, security arrangements, patrolling and cleanliness.
For DDA parks, however, authorities have been told not to wait for the audit to finish before taking action.
Restricted access through selected gates after sunset, additional CCTV cameras and lighting, more security personnel, stricter monitoring of guards and increased night patrols are being taken up immediately.
The measures come as the alleged assault at Astha Kunj has renewed concerns over the safety of public spaces in Delhi, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
