Biker death: CM takes strong view; issues 8-point safety framework, seeks list of excavation sites

New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued an eight-point safety framework to prevent Janakpuri-like accidents where a biker died after falling into a DJB dug pit, and sought a list of excavation sites in the city within three days.

Taking a “very strong” view of the tragic accident reported in the Janakpuri area of west Delhi on Friday, the chief minister has ordered immediate, time-bound action across all departments and executing agencies to prevent any recurrence of such an incident, a Delhi CMO statement said.

“Expressing deep concern over lapses in safety arrangements at excavation and digging sites, the Chief Minister has directed strict enforcement of safety norms and fixed clear accountability on officers and contractors,” it said.

The Chief Secretary, on the directions of the Chief Minister, has issued a memorandum listing an eight-point safety framework to be followed without exception at all construction, repair and maintenance works involving digging or excavation of roads, footpaths and underground utilities across the city.

According to the eight-point directive, all work sites must display proper and adequate warning signage prominently and sufficiently in advance from all approaches. Reflector lights, blinkers and luminous tapes are to be mandatorily installed around excavated areas and barricades, especially during night hours and in low-visibility conditions.

Asserting that loss of life due to negligence is unacceptable, Gupta asserted that public safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances. Accountability will be fixed, and strict action will follow wherever lapses are found, she said in the statement.

“The Chief Minister has made it clear that the safety of citizens is paramount. No department or contractor will be allowed to cut corners, and enforcement on the ground will be closely monitored,” the statement read further.

The directive applies to all departments and agencies under the administrative control of the Delhi government, including PWD, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, DJB, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and all other executing agencies and contractors.

The Chief Minister has also ordered that strong, continuous and clearly visible barricading be ensured around the entire work site by all departments to prevent accidental access by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

Barricades must be erected in a manner that eliminates the risk of accidents and ensures that no excavated material or open digging is visible to passersby or causes dust pollution.

DJB inquiry reveals safety lapses

The Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) internal inquiry into the death of a motorcyclist who fell into a construction pit dug by the agency in west Delhi’s Janakpuri area has found several safety and supervisory lapses during the execution of work, officials said on Saturday.

The report also noted that the biker, 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani, was riding against the designated traffic flow, apparently in an attempt to take a shortcut towards his residence, when the incident occurred early Friday.

“The barricading at the work site was found to be inadequate and improperly maintained by the agency/contractor. Iron barricades are mandatory along the entire perimeter of the site to ensure comprehensive protection and clear demarcation of the work zone,” the report said.