Post Covid when traffic movement restrictions were lifted and night-time barricades at all entry/exit points were opened, soon along with normalcy came crimes of desperation and car thefts.
To make the matters worse the Delhi High Court ordered that the Delhi Police cannot have unmanned barricades, thus throwing open all barricades for free movement. It was a Catch22 situation; unmanned barricades are a nightmare in case of an Emergency and for OLA/Uber users.
RWA’s under GK-I Police Station held an urgent meeting with the then SHO Ajit Kumar Upadhayay and came up with a ‘Night Vigil’ Programme wherein all eight E/E Points into GK-I will be manned with private guards assisted by Police Station Staff. It was an ambitious project which depended on fund raising from residents. The programme immediately showed results as for many months no car thefts were reported and rash drunk driving also came to a stop.
Many RWAs, Market Associations pooled in money as did concerned individuals, the programme continued for over 15 months and most residents, especially on Hansraj Gupta Marg got covered in the security arrangements. Over time, due to limited resources many RWAs were unable to sustain as the hope of Non members contributing towards subscription came to a naught.
Repeated RWA requests to augment police staff also did not show any result, GK-I PS is running on 50% strength. Security challenges are aplenty and daytime security is also becoming a cause of concern. Raising subscription fees seems unfair as more than 50% residents do not pay their membership fees and continue to enjoy all the facilities. RWA’s and Police together have to come up with a solution or brace up for more crime.
