Suggested amendments to MCD Guidelines for installation of gates for Security purpose in colonies.

The Commissioner

East Delhi Municipal Corporation

Udyog Sadan

Patparganj Industrial Area

Delhi – 110 092.

Dear Sir,

Re:  Suggested amendments to MCD Guidelines for installation of gates for

        Security purpose in colonies.

On the directions of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, the MCD issued Policy/guidelines for installation of gates for security purpose in colonies vide R.O. No.250/DPI/07-08 on 30^th June 2007 (copy attached for ready reference).  Unfortunately, the MCD failed to consult the very people, the Residents’ Welfare Associations and the Housing Societies, for whom the guidelines were issued.  As a result, many clauses of the guidelines are faulty and do not serve the desired purpose.

Our residents have been suffering for the last several years when security gates on our internal lanes were removed by the MCD.  Consequently, there has been a spurt in the incidents of crime in the colony (list of crimes enclosed for your information).  As victims of these faulty guidelines, we earnestly request your indulgence in favourably considering the following amendments in the Guidelines, as early as possible:

Clause 3.d) -  There is a total ban on erecting gates on back lanes which do not open towards roads outside the colony.  Most of the crimes including thefts and burglaries are perpetrated through these lanes only.  Hence, security gates should be allowed on back lanes also.

Clause 3.m) -  RWAs have been given the responsibility of appointing watch and ward staff at their own cost.  In practice, such arrangements are made by residents of the individual lanes by collecting funds. RWAs have not been vested with any authority to force the residents to make contribution for watch and  ward arrangements.  There are several families in our colony who do not pay.  So, this responsibility needs to be coupled with authority.  Timings of closing and opening of gates should also be flexible in accordance with seasons and other factors.

           

Clause 3. p), q) and r) -  Onerous mandatory responsibilities have been  put on RWAs which need to be reconsidered.  They should dovetail with ground realities.

We thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely yours,

( B. L. Poddar )                                        ( R. N. Gupta )

   President                                          General Secretary

Copy for information and appropriate action to:

1.                  Dr Annapurna Mishra

Hon’ble Mayor of East Delhi

2.         Mrs Asha Singh

                         Hon’ble Councillor, Ward 222, EDMC

Encl. as stated.