32 cameras, 18 lights: Delhi Police flags security gaps

Delhi Police has identified security gaps in CCTV coverage and lighting at various parks and green spaces across the Capital following a recent gangrape incident at Astha Kunj Park in South Delhi. The police are seeking additional cameras and lights from civic and government agencies to enhance security in these vulnerable locations.

An assessment of these areas revealed that parks in both North and South Delhi, including Hauz Rani forest area, Bonta Park, and Qudsia Bagh, have gaps in surveillance and lighting. In Hauz Rani forest area, there is currently no CCTV coverage, and only about 70% of the lights are operational. The police have written to authorities to install 32 cameras under the Safe City project and have also requested pruning of trees to improve lighting.

At Hauz Rani Idgah, there are no CCTV cameras or lights, and police have raised concerns about people staying beyond the park's officially permitted closing time of 8 pm. In North Delhi's Bonta Park, three CCTV cameras are installed, with six more requested, and three lights, with six more requested. At Qudsia Bagh, two CCTV cameras are present, along with a request for seven additional cameras, and two lights, with ten more requested.

The police have also flagged inadequate lighting along the walking track at these parks and have communicated these issues to relevant agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, and Forest Department, to address these security concerns.