CCTV cameras in only 2% of Delhi Development Authority parks, shows audit

A recent audit by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) revealed that only two percent of its 736 parks, or 16 parks, are equipped with CCTV surveillance. The audit was conducted in the wake of a gang-rape incident that occurred in one of these parks last month. Following the findings, the DDA has classified 190 parks as 'high risk' due to factors like night-time infiltration, local nuisance, encroachment, crime-prone surroundings, dense forest areas, and drug-related activities.

Notable high-risk parks include Aastha Kunj, where the 17-year-old girl was gangraped, and green areas at Hastsal, District Park Hauz Khas, Maa Anandmayi Marg, Sanjay Lake, Jahanpanah City Forest, Ridge, and biodiversity parks along the Yamuna floodplains. The Indian Express had previously reported the pitch darkness caused by non-functional lamps and the absence of CCTV cameras in the Aastha Kunj Park, which spans 142 acres.

The DDA stated that it is addressing these high-risk parks on an immediate basis, while identifying another 258 parks as 'medium-risk' and 288 as 'low-risk.' The audit also found that CCTV cameras are functioning in a mere 16 of the DDA's parks, with an additional 323 parks requiring new CCTV installations. Furthermore, 520 parks need additional lighting provisions, with 231 already undergoing 'immediate provision.'

The DDA is also addressing gate and access security issues in 163 parks, repairing missing grill work in 399 parks, and conducting night patrolling in 245 major parks. Standard Operating Procedures for patrolling, guard performance, supervisor accountability, attendance, reporting, and police coordination are being developed, and biometric attendance of security guards is now in place in 602 parks.