Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Orders Safety Overhaul at North Campus
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta conducts a surprise inspection at DU North Campus, demanding better lighting, safer pathways, and improved hostel facilities.
In a surprise late-night inspection on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the University of Delhi’s North Campus to personally assess student safety and infrastructure. The visit, which included direct interaction with female students, focused on addressing critical concerns regarding lighting, walkways, and student accommodation.
Direct Dialogue with Students
Standing outside the Arts Faculty, the Chief Minister engaged in an informal conversation with women students to understand their daily challenges. She specifically inquired about their safety during night travel, transportation issues, and the living conditions within university hostels and private PGs.
While students reported that PCR vehicles and women police personnel are available to assist them, the Chief Minister emphasized that the police and university administration must work in closer coordination to strengthen security measures across the campus.
Identifying Dark Spots and Infrastructure Gaps
During her walk-through, the Chief Minister personally identified several "dark spots" where inadequate lighting posed a risk to students. Despite well-lit main roads, several internal campus stretches remained shrouded in darkness. To resolve this, she issued the following directives:
- Enhanced Lighting: Officials must identify all dark locations and install additional lights immediately.
- Tree Pruning: Unnecessary branches must be pruned to ensure foliage does not obstruct streetlights.
- Footpath Repairs: Expressing displeasure at broken and uneven pathways, she ordered immediate repairs, specifically noting that walkways must be accessible for students with disabilities.
Strengthening Surveillance and Sanitation
The inspection also focused on the campus's technological and sanitary upkeep. The Chief Minister reviewed the existing CCTV network, questioning officials on the number of functional cameras and identifying areas that require additional surveillance. She stated that no sensitive area should remain outside the camera network.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister addressed the presence of garbage and poorly maintained green belts. She noted that because thousands of students traverse the campus daily, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and public facilities is non-negotiable.
New Policy for Student Housing
Addressing the grievances shared by students regarding the condition of Private Guest Houses (PGs), the Chief Minister announced that the Delhi Government is developing a new PG policy. This policy aims to establish strict rules and standards for the sector to ensure better living conditions.
Additionally, she highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to construct new university hostels to provide students with safer and more reliable accommodation options.
Concluding her visit, Rekha Gupta directed officials to conduct thorough re-inspections of the Arts Faculty, Law Faculty, Science Faculty, and parking areas to ensure every identified issue is addressed without compromise.