DU orders campus-wide safety audits post exams amid rising concerns

India Today

2 days ago

The University of Delhi (DU) has issued a directive mandating all affiliated colleges to perform comprehensive safety audits of their campuses during the summer holiday.This initiative comes after a series of incidents, including a fire at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce's library and another in the Department of Geology, as well as an injury caused by a falling ceiling fan at Kalindi College.advertisementDU SAFETY AUDITS: AREAS TO BE INSPECTEDIn an official circular released by Professor Rajni Abbi, the university's Proctor, all college principals, department heads, hostel provosts, and university librarians have been instructed to inspect every room and toilet.
"It is requested that after the examinations end and the vacation period begins, a thorough survey be conducted in all rooms and toilets of your institution. Please ensure that all roofs and walls are structurally sound, electrical fittings such as fans and lights are functioning, there is enough provision for drinking water and adequate supply of toilet water," the circular states.Structural integrity: Ensure that walls and roofs are in safe condition.Electrical safety: Check the proper functioning of electrical fittings such as fans and lights.Water supply: Verify adequate provision for drinking water and toilet water.Accessibility: Ensure that lifts are operational and ramps for students with disabilities are in good condition.advertisementFire safety: Confirm that fire extinguishers are functional and buildings requiring whitewashing are attended to.These measures aim to provide students with a safe, secure, and healthy environment upon their return from holiday.EMPHASIS ON SAFETY In addition to infrastructure inspections, DU has emphasised the importance of security during college events. The university has updated its guidelines to include:CCTV Surveillance: Installation of cameras outside women's washrooms and changing rooms.Event Security: Conducting security drills with Delhi Police prior to events.Pre-Registration: Ensuring entry to events is through pre-registration to maintain crowd control.This safety drive falls under the Board of Residence, Health and Discipline, as per Ordinance XV (Chapter VI). The objective is to provide students with a safe, secure, and healthy environment once they return from their holiday.Colleges are expected to carry out the inspections and take necessary action to ensure all campus facilities are in good condition before the new academic session begins.