Delhi Chief Minister Mandates Strict Safety Protocol After Tragic Janakpuri Accident
In response to the tragic death of a biker who fell into a Delhi Jal Board (DJB) dug pit in Janakpuri, west Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued a comprehensive eight-point safety framework. The directive aims to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and has set a strict three-day deadline for all departments to submit detailed lists of excavation sites across the city.
Immediate Action Ordered Following Fatal Incident
Taking a "very strong" view of the Friday accident, the Chief Minister has ordered immediate, time-bound action across all government departments and executing agencies. A statement from the Delhi Chief Minister's Office (CMO) expressed deep concern over lapses in safety arrangements at excavation and digging sites, emphasizing that loss of life due to negligence is unacceptable.
"Public safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances," Gupta asserted. "Accountability will be fixed, and strict action will follow wherever lapses are found."
Eight-Point Safety Framework Details
On the Chief Minister's directions, the Chief Secretary issued a memorandum outlining the mandatory safety measures. The framework applies to all construction, repair, and maintenance works involving digging or excavation of roads, footpaths, and underground utilities. Key requirements include:
- Prominent warning signage displayed sufficiently in advance from all approaches to work sites.
- Mandatory installation of reflector lights, blinkers, and luminous tapes around excavated areas and barricades, especially during night hours and low-visibility conditions.
- Strong, continuous, and clearly visible barricading around entire work sites to prevent accidental access by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
- Barricades must be erected to eliminate accident risks and ensure excavated material or open digging is not visible to passersby, preventing dust pollution.
Accountability and Monitoring Mechanisms
The directive fixes clear responsibility for compliance on both field officers and executing agencies or contractors. Engineers-in-charge and field engineers have been instructed to conduct regular inspections of all work sites to ensure safety measures are maintained throughout execution.
"The Chief Minister has made it clear that the safety of citizens is paramount," the CMO statement read. "No department or contractor will be allowed to cut corners, and enforcement on the ground will be closely monitored."
Time-Bound Compliance Requirements
In a decisive move, all departments and organizations have been ordered to immediately review all ongoing and recently undertaken excavation and digging works within Delhi. They must submit a consolidated report to the Chief Secretary's office within three days, detailing:
- Locations of all excavation sites.
- Safety measures currently in place.
- Corrective steps taken where deficiencies are identified.
Strict Consequences for Non-Compliance
The Chief Minister has unequivocally stated that any violation, laxity, or non-compliance will be viewed seriously. In the event of accidents, injuries, or loss of life attributable to negligence, strict disciplinary action will be initiated against responsible officers and agencies under applicable rules, in addition to any warranted legal action.
Comprehensive Departmental Coverage
The safety framework applies to all departments and agencies under Delhi government administrative control, including:
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC)
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
- Power distribution companies (DISCOMs)
- All other executing agencies and contractors
All departments have been directed to immediately issue instructions to subordinate offices, field officials, and executing agencies to ensure regular monitoring and strict enforcement of these safety measures at every work site across the capital.
