DDA safety audit reveals major security gaps in Delhi parks

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has completed a comprehensive safety audit of its 736 parks following the gangrape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park. The audit, ordered by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, revealed significant security gaps, most notably that CCTV cameras are installed in only 16 parks, representing approximately 2 percent of the total.

Based on the findings, the DDA has categorized the parks into three risk levels: 190 high-risk, 258 medium-risk, and 288 low-risk. Immediate interventions are being prioritized for high-risk areas, including the commencement of bike patrolling and the planned deployment of armed guards at 134 locations.

Other key findings and planned improvements include:

• Lighting: 520 parks were identified as needing additional lighting; work is already underway in 231 parks, with 106 already completed. • Surveillance: 323 additional parks have been identified for new CCTV installations. • Access Control: 163 parks have been marked for the installation of lockable gates. • Infrastructure: Repairs are being conducted on boundary walls and missing grills in 399 identified locations. • Accountability: Biometric attendance for security guards has been implemented in 602 parks.