CM orders safety audit at DU North Campus
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday night directed officials to fix dark spots, damaged footpaths and gaps in CCTV coverage at Delhi University’s North Campus after speaking to students about their safety concerns. During a surprise inspection of the campus, the Chief Minister interacted with women students outside the Arts Faculty and asked about problems related to safety, transport, hostels, colleges and movement at night.
She told students to report difficulties faced on campus and assured them that genuine concerns would be addressed.
The Chief Minister personally identified several poorly lit stretches during the inspection and sought details from officials. She directed them to identify all dark spots and install additional lights wherever required. The inspection also highlighted damaged and uneven footpaths. The Chief Minister directed officials to inspect the entire campus and repair stretches that could make walking difficult. She specifically asked officials to consider the needs of students with disabilities while carrying out the repairs.
She also reviewed the campus CCTV network, asking officials about the number of cameras installed, their functioning status and locations requiring additional surveillance. She directed officials to install cameras wherever necessary and ensure that existing systems remain functional. She said sensitive areas should not remain outside the surveillance network.
The Chief Minister also sought feedback from students about police arrangements at night, including the presence of women police personnel and PCR vehicles. Students told her that women police personnel were deployed at night and PCR vehicles responded promptly when required. The Chief Minister stressed coordination between Delhi Police and the university administration to strengthen security.
Cleanliness was another issue flagged during the visit. After noticing garbage and poorly maintained green areas, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure immediate cleaning and better maintenance.
She said the campus caters to thousands of students and therefore needs safe pathways, adequate lighting, cleanliness and proper public facilities.
Students also raised concerns about facilities in paying guest accommodation and hostels. The Chief Minister said the Delhi Government was preparing a policy for paying guest facilities that would prescribe necessary rules and standards. She also said work was being undertaken to provide new and improved hostel facilities for students.
The Chief Minister directed officials to re-inspect the Arts, Law and Science faculties, parking areas and other sensitive locations, particularly those with inadequate lighting. She also urged women students to undergo self-defence training.
Senior officials from the Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection. The visit ended with the Chief Minister continuing her interaction with students over tea. She asked them to bring issues concerning their college, accommodation, transportation, or safety to the government’s attention and assured them of necessary action.
