DDA Tightens Security at Delhi Parks After Kalkaji Gang-Rape
The DDA has ordered immediate security upgrades at its parks after a 17-year-old was allegedly gang-raped at Astha Kunj near Kalkaji Mandir.
The Delhi Development Authority has ordered tighter security across its parks in the city, days after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped at Astha Kunj, a DDA-maintained park near Kalkaji Mandir.
The directions, issued by the DDA Vice Chairman, are to be implemented immediately and run alongside a wider safety audit of the city's green spaces.
Under the new measures, parks with multiple entry gates will move to controlled access during late hours, with entry restricted through selected gates after sunset and before closing time. Security personnel and field staff have been asked to increase vigilance, especially during evening and night hours.
The DDA will conduct a time-bound assessment to identify dark and poorly lit stretches in its parks, and install additional lights, floodlights and other illumination where needed. CCTV surveillance will be strengthened, with cameras added at main entry gates and other vulnerable locations to improve monitoring and enable quicker responses.
More security personnel will be deployed at vulnerable entry points and poorly lit spots based on a risk assessment, and trained guards may be posted where required. Guards at DDA parks will face closer scrutiny, with attendance, patrolling and performance monitored through field inspections. Night patrolling around parks will be stepped up, including coordination with concerned agencies for additional bike patrols.
The DDA will also work more closely with the Delhi Police, reporting any suspicious or illegal activity in or around parks, and will involve Resident Welfare Associations and local stakeholders in community-based vigilance. Visitors will be advised to remain in well-lit areas during evening hours.
Safety information boards displaying park rules, emergency contact numbers and public safety guidelines are to be installed at all DDA parks within seven days. Field officers have been directed to implement the measures on priority and to continuously review security arrangements.
The DDA said it will continue working with the Delhi Police, RWAs and other stakeholders to strengthen safety in the city's green spaces, aiming to keep parks safe, accessible and welcoming for women, children, senior citizens and other visitors.
The immediate steps follow the alleged assault on Monday evening. According to police, the teenager had gone to Kalkaji Mandir with a male friend before the two entered the park. Three men allegedly approached them posing as policemen, threatened them and separated them before sexually assaulting the girl. All three accused have since been arrested.
Separately, on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a comprehensive safety audit will begin on Thursday and is to be completed within a week, covering lighting, security arrangements, regular patrolling and cleanliness. For DDA parks, however, officials have been asked not to wait for the audit to conclude before acting.