The Delhi Police has conducted a survey on the status of measures on women’s safety at 10 metro stations in Dwarka.
A five-member team led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) surveyed all 10 metro stations which fall under the Dwarka sub-city. The members focused on issues related to women’s safety while travelling to and from the metro stations. The key concern, the report stated, was ensuring the safety of women after they leave the station for home.
The report has been prepared and submitted to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik before it is presented to Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal.
As part of the survey, the team interviewed women commuters, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation staff members and other stakeholders. To understand the extent to which women commuters feel unsafe, the members travelled like commuters to get a first-hand experience.
“We have to provide safe transport to women. Bus stops should be located near metro stations to ensure women commuters do not walk on poorly lit roads,” said a police officer.
Poorly lit roads, vacant plots, lack of police patrolling, lack CCTV cameras and unsafe public transport like e-rickshaws and autorickshaws were basic flaws mentioned in the report.
After identifying these problems, the report recommended patrolling around metro stations and on roads leading towards them, especially after sunset.
“We have already instructed the beat staff to patrol areas around metro stations after sunset and also keep a check on anti-social elements inside metro premises,” said a senior police officer.
The report also recommended that police control room vans remain stationed near metro stations from 10 p.m. till the last available metro. Help desks to assist women in case of emergencies should be arranged or regulated by the DMRC at all metro stations, it said.
“The Delhi Development Authority/ civic bodies should install electric poles and the BSES should supply electricity on vacant lands owned by the DDA around metro stations and on roads leading to the metro stations from nearby residential areas,” the report stated.
The team also studied the nature of criminal activities reported in the area. A study of the 2017 crime statistics revealed that Dwarka Sectors 14, 13 and 12 were the most crime-prone areas.
Mr. Baijal had on June 23 released a report prepared by a six-member committee on women’s safety in the Capital. The panel had asked all departments, including the civic bodies, Delhi Transport Corporation, Public Works Department and DMRC to come together to make the city safe for women.
