The University of Delhi has directed its colleges and hostels to repair faulty lights, identify poorly lit areas, install additional CCTV cameras and prune trees blocking visibility as part of an immediate review of women’s safety across its campuses.
The directions were issued after an online meeting convened by the university’s Proctor on Friday. College principals, deans, directors, heads of departments, hostel provosts, wardens and resident tutors attended the meeting, which examined safety arrangements across colleges, departments, faculty areas and hostels.
An official statement from the Proctor’s office said authorities must submit detailed lists of issues related to women’s safety and security by 5 pm on October 12. College and hostel officials have also been asked to assess their premises, identify blind spots and report locations where visibility is obstructed.
The university has asked colleges to repair non-functional lights and install additional streetlights in poorly lit areas. It has also directed authorities to place CCTV cameras strategically and prune overgrown trees that block lighting or lines of sight. Separately, college and hostel authorities have been asked to work with the university’s Engineering department to inspect buildings and report structural problems requiring urgent repairs.
The review comes amid student protests across Delhi University following the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl by men posing as police officers at Aastha Kunj Park near Lady Shri Ram College for Women. Students from several DU colleges have held marches demanding better security, improved street lighting and safer public spaces around campuses.
The meeting also considered increasing police presence near colleges and hostels. Proposals included deploying dedicated surveillance teams, installing more pink booths designated for women and improving the functioning of the Vamika police van. The university has asked that helpline numbers 1091 and 112 be displayed prominently across college and campus premises.
In addition to physical security measures, the university directed authorities to organise gender-sensitisation workshops and a seven-day self-defence course for students in coordination with the Delhi Police. DU Proctor Professor Manoj Kumar Singh told participants that necessary precautionary measures would be taken in line with the discussions at the meeting. The immediate administrative milestone is the submission of campus safety and security concerns by October 12.
