Street lights repaired, security stepped up at Astha Kunj park a month after 17-year-old’s gang rape

The Delhi government officials on Saturday said they have repaired broken street lights, installed new lights and stepped up guard patrols at south-east Delhi’s Astha Kunj Park, a month after three men posing as policemen allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl inside the park.

The measures come after a Safety Audit Report ordered by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu immediately after the incident. 

A senior Delhi government official said many of the recommended protocols have already been adopted. The 142.41-acre park, which has 29 gates, was found to be inadequately lit at the time of the incident, with a third of its 1,500 surrounding street lights non-functional.

After inspection and review by government officials, all 340 existing lights in the park are now functional. Further, 105 additional lights have been installed in accordance with the recommendations of the Safety Audit Report.

Furthermore, a joint inspection was conducted with the electricity department officials and a proposal for installation of high-mast lights at suitable identified locations is under process, said the official. 

“As 99% of the park area falls within the Morphological Ridge, these additions are being planned judiciously to avoid disturbance to the natural flora and fauna while ensuring adequate lighting along pathways and visitor-use areas,” the official said. Morphological ridge area is an ecologically sensitive zone, which is officially not notified as a forest land, yet receives strict legal protection against any change in land use, tree-felling and construction.

Security guards have also been deployed for night patrolling on two siren-equipped motorcycles, along with torches and essential safety equipment. Surprise night inspections are also being conducted by the site in-charge, security supervisor and departmental staff, the official said.

All security guards have been told to mark their attendance biometrically at multiple times along with physical roll call, and this is being monitored through the dashboard, added the official.

Four CCTV cameras have also been installed following the incident. The damaged portions of the boundary wall have been repaired. All gates have been made lockable as recommended in the Safety Audit Report and wicket gates are closed at 9 p.m.

The condition of lights, CCTV cameras, gates and boundary walls, along with the deployment and performance of security personnel, is being monitored regularly, said the official.