Delhi Chief Minister Gupta Introduces 8-Point Safety Framework

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Gupta has announced a new safety initiative comprising eight key points following the unfortunate death of a biker in a construction ditch. This decision comes in the wake of public concern regarding safety measures at excavation sites in the city.

The incident that triggered this response involved Kamal Dhyani, an employee of a private bank, who tragically fell into a 15-foot-deep pit at a construction site managed by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Police investigations revealed that despite an eyewitness to the accident notifying the relevant contractors, no immediate action was taken to alert authorities or assist the victim.

In addressing the public, Chief Minister Gupta outlined the framework designed to improve safety protocols at construction sites and enhance public awareness regarding road safety. The eight points of the framework include:

1. Mandatory illumination at night at all excavation sites.
2. Regular audits of construction areas to identify safety hazards.
3. Clear signage to inform the public about ongoing roadworks.
4. Collaboration with traffic police to ensure smooth flow of traffic during roadworks.
5. Emergency response protocols that require immediate notification to local authorities in case of accidents.
6. Public awareness campaigns about the risks associated with construction zones.
7. Implementation of a digital reporting system for road hazards.
8. Establishment of a dedicated task force to oversee safety compliance at construction sites.

Chief Minister Gupta emphasised the importance of these measures, stating, "Our goal is to make Delhi’s roads safer for all. The loss of a life is tragic, and we must ensure that such incidents do not occur again."

The police have arrested Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, a sub-contractor associated with the site, under section 105 of the Indian Penal Code for culpable homicide. The investigation also led to the suspension of three engineers from the DJB, indicating a serious stance by authorities on accountability regarding public safety.

Members of Dhyani’s family had initially searched local hospitals for news about him after he was reported missing. Only after extensive efforts were they able to locate the construction site where the accident occurred. The death has sparked outrage among the public and has led to calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations at construction sites across the city.

In response to these developments, the Chief Minister has ordered a review of all ongoing excavation projects to ensure compliance with safety standards, with an emphasis on preventing future accidents. The community has been encouraged to report any unsafe conditions they observe in roadworks as part of public safety efforts.

The incident and subsequent actions reflect growing public anxiety over road safety in densely populated areas like Delhi, where the balance between urban development and public safety remains a critical challenge.