Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued an eight-point safety framework to prevent accidents like the one in Janakpuri (where a cyclist died after falling into a hole dug by DJB) and sought a list of excavation sites in the city within three days.The chief minister expressed “very strong” views on Friday’s tragic accident in west Delhi’s Janakpuri area and has ordered all departments and executive agencies to take immediate time-bound action to prevent recurrence of such an incident, a statement from the Delhi CMO said.
“Expressing deep concern over the lapses in safety arrangements at excavation and excavation sites, the Chief Minister has directed strict implementation of safety norms and clear accountability of officials and contractors,” the statement said.On the instructions of the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary issued a memorandum outlining an eight-point safety framework that must be followed without exception during all construction, repair and maintenance works involving excavation or excavation of roads, footpaths and underground facilities across the city.Under the eight-point directive, all workplaces are required to display appropriate and adequate warning signs in a prominent and sufficient position in advance at all entrances. Reflective lights, signal lights and luminous strips must be installed around excavation areas and barricades, especially at night and in conditions of low visibility.Gupta claimed that loss of life due to negligence was unacceptable and public safety could not be compromised under any circumstances. She said in the statement that once problems are discovered, they will be held accountable seriously.The statement further read: “The Chief Minister has made it clear that the safety of citizens is paramount. No corner will be cut by any department or contractor and enforcement on the ground will be closely monitored.”The directive applies to all departments and agencies under the administrative control of the Delhi government, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Department of Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and all other executing agencies and contractors.The chief minister also ordered all departments to erect strong, continuous and clearly visible barricades around the entire site to prevent accidental entry of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.Barricades must be set up in a way that eliminates the risk of accidents and ensures that excavated material or open excavations cannot be seen by passers-by or cause dust contamination.The CMO said the directive clarified the compliance responsibilities of relevant field officials and implementing agencies or contractors.Engineer-in-charge and site engineers have been directed to conduct regular inspections of all such work sites and ensure that prescribed safety measures are maintained throughout the execution period.In a time-bound initiative, all departments and organizations have been ordered to immediately conduct a review of all ongoing and recent excavations and excavations within Delhi. A comprehensive report must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Secretary within three days detailing the location of these sites, safety measures taken and corrective measures taken if deficiencies are found.The statement noted that the Chief Minister has made it clear that any violation, laxity or non-compliance of these instructions will be taken seriously.In case of accident, injury or loss of life due to negligence, severe disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible persons and institutions as prescribed, in addition to any other legal action.Departments have also been asked to issue immediate instructions to subordinate offices, field officers and executing agencies and ensure regular monitoring and strict enforcement of these safety measures at all workplaces, the statement added.
