The University of Delhi has directed its colleges and hostels to repair non-functional lights, identify poorly lit areas, install CCTV cameras and prune trees blocking visibility as part of measures to improve women’s safety across the university.
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 reviewed safety conditions across colleges, departments, faculty areas and hostels.
The university has asked authorities to identify security gaps and submit detailed lists of concerns by 5 pm on October 12. The Proctor’s office said the assessment should include blind spots and locations where inadequate lighting or obstructed visibility could create safety risks.
The measures include repairing faulty lights, installing additional streetlights in poorly lit areas and placing CCTV cameras strategically. Authorities have also been told to prune overgrown trees that obstruct light and visibility around campus premises.
The directions follow student protests across Delhi University after the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Lady Shri Ram College for Women. According to the report, the men allegedly posed as police officers. Students from several colleges have held marches seeking better security, improved street lighting and safer public spaces around college campuses.
The meeting also discussed increasing police presence near colleges and hostels. Proposals included dedicated surveillance teams near these premises, more pink booths designated for women and improvements to the functioning of the Vamika police van. The university did not provide details on the number of additional personnel or surveillance teams proposed.
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. This places campus safety within a wider infrastructure review covering lighting, visibility, surveillance and building conditions.
The university has also directed colleges to organise gender-sensitisation workshops and a seven-day self-defence course for students in coordination with the Delhi Police. Women’s safety helpline numbers 1091 and 112 are to be displayed prominently across college and campus premises.
DU Proctor Professor Manoj Kumar Singh told participants that necessary precautionary measures would be taken in line with the discussions. The immediate administrative deadline is October 12, when colleges and other university units are expected to submit their lists of safety and security concerns.
