Delhi University 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 a campus-wide response to concerns over women’s safety. Authorities have been asked to submit detailed lists of security gaps by 5 pm on October 12.
The directions were issued after an online meeting convened on Friday by DU Proctor Professor Manoj Kumar Singh. The meeting brought together college principals, deans, directors, heads of departments, hostel provosts, wardens and resident tutors to review safety arrangements across colleges, departments, faculty areas and hostels.
According to an official statement from the Proctor’s office, college principals and senior officials must assess their premises and identify blind spots where visibility is obstructed. The measures include repairing faulty lights, installing additional streetlights in poorly lit areas and strategically placing CCTV cameras. Overgrown trees that block light and visibility are also to be pruned.
The university’s directions come amid student protests across DU 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 college campuses.
The meeting also addressed preventive and emergency-response measures. DU has asked colleges and hostels to organise gender-sensitisation workshops and a seven-day self-defence course for students in coordination with the Delhi Police. Helpline numbers 1091 and 112 are to be displayed prominently across college and campus premises.
Officials also discussed increasing police presence near colleges and hostels. Proposals included deploying dedicated surveillance teams near these premises, installing more pink booths designated for women and improving the functioning of the Vamika police van. The source report did not specify the number, locations or implementation timeline for any new CCTV cameras, streetlights, surveillance teams or police booths.
The university has separately asked college and hostel authorities to work with its Engineering department to inspect buildings and report structural issues requiring urgent repairs. This links the safety review to the physical condition of campus buildings and facilities, rather than limiting it to policing and surveillance.
The Proctor’s office said all relevant authorities must submit detailed lists of issues related to women’s safety and security by October 12 at 5 pm. Professor Singh told participants that necessary precautionary measures would be taken in line with the discussions at the meeting.
