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.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.“During the interim period, DDA issued comprehensive directions to strengthen safety and security arrangements across all DDA parks in Delhi. 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.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. Where necessary, trained security personnel will also be considered,” the DDA said in a statement.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.“Parks with multiple entry gates will adopt controlled entry arrangements after sunset by restricting access through selected gates before park closing time. Visitors will be encouraged to use well-lit pathways and illuminated areas of parks during evening hours,” officials said.They added that Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local stakeholders will actively help strengthen vigilance and promote community-based safety.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.Police said all three accused have been arrested.(With agency inputs)
