NEW DELHI : Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday ordered immediate, time-bound action across all govt departments and executing agencies to prevent the recurrence of incidents like the death of a youth on Friday due to an alleged fall into a DJB pit.CM said any violation, laxity or non-compliance would be taken seriously, with strict disciplinary action, in addition to any other legal action. The departments will issue immediate instructions to subordinate offices and field staff to ensure regular monitoring and strict enforcement of safety measures.
“No department or contractor will be allowed to cut corners and enforcement on the ground will be closely monitored,” the statement added. Chief secretary Rajeev Verma issued an eight-point safety framework to be followed for all construction, repair and maintenance works involving digging or excavation. All sites must display adequate warning signage prominently, with reflector lights, blinkers and luminous tapes, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Strong and continuous barricading is to be maintained around the entire site and departments will ensure that no excavated material is visible or causes dust pollution. They will also establish safe pedestrian pathways and traffic diversion arrangements.The directive fixes responsibility for compliance on field officers and executing agencies. Engineers-in-charge and field engineers must conduct regular inspections.Following a review, a consolidated report detailing safety arrangements and corrective steps must be submitted to the chief secretary in three days.
