The policy/guidelines framed by
the MCD are clear. However, this has created problems for the RWAs. Of late
‘security’ of persons and their properties residing in different recognized
colonies has become a perennial problem and the RWAs in their wisdom based on
the decisions taken in their respective Managing Committees install iron gates
where absolutely required based on security aspects.
Specifications and guidelines for
provision of gates in the internal roads and back/service lanes etc. have been
provided in the MCD guidelines. However, the problem arises when there is ‘no
consensus’ among the residents relating to the placement and operation of
gates.
Notwithstanding, the
RBECHSociety/Anand Vihar had taken the initiative and provided iron gates in
their colony’s service lanes after taking permission of the local Police
authorities and remain locked. However, the Society provide one set of keys to
the residents nearer to such gates, besides keeping a set of keys of all gates
with the Society’s security staff apart from keeping yet an another set of keys
in the Society’s office. Thus abundance precautions have been taken so that the
residents/public agencies are not inconvenienced in opening/closing of the
gates as and when required. Besides, the Society have also displayed the
contact nos. of individuals etc. in a plate welded on the gates who could be
contacted, if needed.
As far as the operation of gates on
the inner roads, we are trying to regulate the mobility on specified timings,
again displayed prominently on the gates, but this causes a little
inconvenience to a few people who wish to have access as and when required by
them, which is difficult to meet, from the security view point. We have to see
the convenience of majority residences and not to succumb to a handful of
individuals to their whims and fancies, where interest clash!
We are confident that ‘security’
could be tightened if all agencies and residents cooperate in their own
interests instead of resorting to litigation, as after all the utmost interest
of all residents is ‘security and safety’ of themselves and their properties!
Of course, wherever gates have been provided on inner roads, they have to be
manned and kept locked for specified timings when not-manned. This increases
the cost of security manpower and added responsibility too to regulate their
attendance/presence etc. and the Society struggles to meet the cost
particularly when the residents do not pay the ‘service charges’ levied by the
Society. This is a perennial problem where the RCS should step in.
T K Balu
