A Facebook live conducted by The Quint on the safety of public parks in Delhi has played a crucial role in getting a response from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to the issue, in a PIL hearing in the Delhi High Court.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by Delhi-based advocate Prashant Manchanda, asked for stricter punishment for snatch thefts in the city – and better security in public parks.
The submissions, which included a copy of The Quint's FB live, were accepted by the acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court Gita Mittal as evidence on 14 December.
On 7 April, The Quint conducted an FB live with residents of Ashok Vihar, two days after journalist Aparna Kalra was attacked when she was taking a walk in a park nearby named Picnic Hut. During the live video, Ashok Vihar residents spoke about crimes being committed against the elderly and women in the park, as well as insufficient lighting and security, which makes it inaccessible even during the day.
You can watch the FB live here:
Step Taken to Make Parks Well Lit
In response to the PIL, the High Court ordered relevant civic authorities, including the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the Delhi Police, to file status reports on the same. The final order of the court is awaited, pending the replies filed by the authorities.
In its response, the NDMC identified 18 dark patches and said that it has installed 49 poles to ensure that the area under its jurisdiction is well lit.
'The Police Can’t be Everywhere'
Speaking to The Quint on the need for authorities to ensure public parks are safe spaces, Manchanda said:
There is a direct relation between crimes and the lighting and security of public parks. These parks are often used by criminals to plan crimes as well as hide from the police. Most residents in Delhi don’t take valuables when they go to parks. The police can’t be everywhere, even as stricter punishment for snatching is needed.
While Kalra has recovered from her attack, the park in which she was attacked hasn't improved much. Speaking to Hindustan Times, 70-year-old KS Khurana said that he makes it a point not to carry mobile phones or cash when he goes jogging in Picnic Hut, since the "park is infested with criminals and drug addicts."
On 11 December, Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal asked officials of municipal corporations to "ensure proper lighting" in public parks in the city.
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