DDA steps up security at Delhi parks after LG orders safety audits

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has stepped up security arrangements across parks under its jurisdiction and begun comprehensive safety audits following directions from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, with officials examining lighting, surveillance and other infrastructure to identify vulnerable areas.

The exercise follows the LG’s directions to civic agencies to review safety arrangements at public parks across the Capital. DDA officials have been asked to identify deficiencies and take corrective measures, with particular attention being paid to areas that could pose security risks to visitors.

Security stepped up

As part of the measures, the DDA has strengthened the deployment of security personnel at parks and instructed officials to maintain greater vigilance, particularly during early morning and evening hours when footfall is high.

Security arrangements at entry and exit points are also being reviewed. Officials have been directed to ensure that guards remain alert and that unauthorised activities inside parks are checked.

Safety audits underway

The DDA has simultaneously undertaken safety audits of its parks to identify gaps in existing infrastructure. The inspections cover lighting arrangements, boundary walls and fencing, gates, pathways, CCTV surveillance and other facilities that have a direct bearing on visitor safety.

Special attention is being given to dark stretches and isolated areas within parks. Officials have been asked to identify locations where additional lighting or surveillance could improve security and to ensure that damaged infrastructure is repaired.

Focus on lighting

Adequate illumination has emerged as one of the key areas under review. Officials are assessing whether existing lights adequately cover pathways, entrances and other frequently used sections of parks, particularly after sunset.

The DDA is also examining whether vegetation or other obstructions are affecting visibility in certain areas. Corrective steps are expected to be taken wherever the audits identify potential safety concerns.

LG had ordered review

The safety exercise follows directions from the Lieutenant Governor for the DDA and Municipal Corporation of Delhi to undertake audits of public parks and strengthen measures aimed at ensuring the safety of visitors.

The directions had put the focus on better illumination, functional CCTV cameras and stronger monitoring of public spaces. Civic agencies were asked to identify shortcomings rather than wait for individual complaints before taking action.

Corrective measures planned

The DDA has asked its field formations to address deficiencies identified during the inspections and ensure that basic safety infrastructure remains functional. The authority is also expected to keep security arrangements under periodic review instead of treating the current exercise as a one-time inspection.

The initiative is aimed at making Delhi’s parks safer and more accessible while improving monitoring of public spaces used daily by walkers, children, senior citizens and other visitors.