PWD identifies 40k dark spots in city

In a recent survey done by the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD) to identify the dark spots in the national Capital, it was found that there are 40,000 dark areas in the city where women are most vulnerable. After identifying these dark spots, the Delhi government will light up these areas and CCTV cameras will be installed.

The data of dark spots in the city came after the Delhi Cabinet in October had asked PWD to delink the capital’s CCTV camera installation plan from the government’s Wi-Fi project, giving priority to women’s security.

In the meeting that took place in mid-October, last year, the Cabinet also decided all dark spots should be lit up to enhance safety and security.

“The PWD has identified 40,000 dark spots in Delhi where the department will light up the areas by installing street lights. Also, CCTV cameras will be installed in these areas for the safety of women,” said a spokesperson in Delhi government on Monday.

According to the sources, these dark stretches are due to non-availability or non-functioning of street lights. “The areas where street lights are already installed but are non-functional will be repaired on priority basis. Simultaneously the remaining areas where the street lights are not installed, the areas will be lit up in the near future,” a source in Delhi government said.

The source further added that when Delhi Police has conducted a survey to identify the dark stretches and vulnerable routes in the city, only 2,200 spots were identified. 

“Meanwhile, the list of 40,000 dark stretches will be shared with Delhi Police to deploy additional force in order to provide safety for women specifically in these areas until the areas are properly lit up,” the source added.