New Delhi: Residents across Delhi have raised concerns over the lack of safety in most neighbourhood parks, particularly after sunset, citing inadequate lighting, absence of security guards, overgrown branches blocking lights and groups of people huddling late at night. Complaints to councillors, MLAs and civic agencies have often yielded results, they said.On Wednesday, LG TS Sandhu met MCD commissioner, police commissioner and DDA vice-chairman and directed a comprehensive safety audit of all city parks within a week, with a focus on lighting, security, patrolling and cleanliness.Rakesh Narula, a resident of East of Kailash, said the problem was not limited to Aastha Kunj Park where a minor was gang-raped Monday, with several parks in the area also suffering from poor upkeep.“Two parks opposite W Block, Greater Kailash-I, used to be well maintained and properly lit when they were looked after by DLF. Now they are in a state of disrepair. Likewise, at Central Park, located in the middle of Kailash Colony and inside the main market, most of the lights are out of order. Even where they work, large branches block the light. The trees have not been pruned for years. Several representations have been made to the councillor, MLA and the corporation, but there has been no response,” Narula said.Residents said parks in MCD colonies face similar problems, with frequent instances of people consuming alcohol and playing cards despite resistance from locals.“We can only approach agencies for help rather than getting into a fight with the elements every day. Ideally, there should be a single-point agency comprising representatives from all departments to address issues plaguing the parks, including encroachment, misuse, law and order and horticulture work,” said Karan Agarwal, another East of Kailash resident.LG said Delhi Police was asked to strengthen beat patrolling, including deployment of Pink Police personnel around park premises. “MCD and DDA were told to explore partnerships with RWAs, private entities and educational institutions for sustained upkeep of the parks,” LG posted on X.DDA announced Wednesday that it would begin a one-week comprehensive safety audit from Thursday, focusing on enhanced vigilance by security personnel and field staff in the parks, particularly during the evening and night.Entry to parks having multiple gates could be regulated during late hours, with select gates open for use after sunset and before the scheduled closing time, DDA said, adding that visitors would be encouraged to use well-lit pathways and illuminated areas.CCTV cameras will be installed or augmented at main gates and other vulnerable locations. Dark spots will be identified and additional security personnel deployed at vulnerable entry points and poorly lit areas based on risk assessment.DDA also said safety information boards displaying rules, emergency contacts and public safety guidelines would be installed in all its parks within seven days. “Attendance, patrolling and performance of security guards will be monitored through field inspections and community participation. Coordination with Delhi Police will be strengthened to report suspicious or illegal activities for prompt action,” DDA added.MCD commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar said a majority of the around 15,000 parks under its jurisdiction are small in size. “It has been decided that around 1,000 parks measuring more than one acre each will be targeted for auditing and assessing safety measures. Adequate lighting will be ensured and coordination will be done with residents and RWAs to improve safety. Wherever required, coordination with local police and Delhi govt will also be undertaken,” said Khirwar.
