On October 2022 due to Court Orders, night barricades put up by Delhi Police on eight Entry/Exit points had to be manned. GK-I Police station already under staff crunch, with over 50% Shortfall. SHO Ajit Kumar Upadhayay called a meeting of RWA’s to find a solution, to keep a check on car thefts, that had been contained due to Night Barricading. Samvada has reported in detail about the success of GK Vigil Programme, much appreciated by Residents and Authorities alike.
In the May issue, I had raised the issue of Day Time Security being a challenge and bringing the same to the notice of Addl. DCP (South) Mr. Ankit Chauhan. The Vigil Programme to begin with was a stopgap arrangement, till Staff Strength was suitably augmented. DCP during interaction had assured all present that he will requisition for increase in Staff strength so that GK remains a safe and secure neighbourhood.
RWA’s had pointed out at the inception itself that Funding the Programme will be very difficult, until a mechanism was devised, like issuing of Stickers etc so that every Dwelling Unit contributes. The Phase Two of the programme never saw the light of day as raising funds for the Night Barricades is barely sufficient. Many RWA’s abstained from Contributing stating it was the Job of Police to provide security and RWA’s are already stretched on funds taking care of Block Security.
In the past months Day Time Break-ins, Snatchings, Lifting of Bicycles from inside homes, Group of Banjaran Ladies roaming the streets is a common occurrence. Block WhatsApp are abuzz with some theft from within the compound wall. Strangers lurk the streets, confident in the knowledge that RWA’s cannot post Guards at every corner and the Police Beat Patrolling a thing of the past.
If soon a solution is not found for Day Time Security, then even those RWA’s who have been contributing shall have to rethink and deploy their Share to augment their own Block Security. SHO Ajit Kumar Upadhayay needs to be commended for putting his best effort to keep GK-I secure, but sorry to say he is being let down by his own department and seniors by not providing him the requisite staff strength. May I add, this prestigious PS is over staffed and top heavy, with more than the sanctioned Officers but hugely short on Constables. GK needs Boots on the Ground.
