New Delhi Correspondent: Deepak Sagar

Taking serious note of lapses in safety standards at construction and maintenance sites, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has adopted a strict stance, directing all Deputy Commissioners to submit a detailed action-taken report within three days.
In a circular issued by the MCD’s Engineering Wing, the civic body made it clear that non-compliance with safety protocols will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The move follows a recent incident in Janakpuri, where a person died after falling into an open drain, triggering concerns over site safety and monitoring mechanisms.


Mandatory Safety Measures at All Sites
The circular mandates that all construction locations must ensure:
Proper barricading and fencing
Clear warning signage
Adequate lighting arrangements
Installation of reflective tapes, cones, and delineators
Approved scaffolding and railings
Safe excavation practices
No work will proceed without adherence to approved safety standards. The availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times has also been made compulsory.


Strict Norms on Hazardous Work and Equipment
The MCD has categorically stated that:
No person below 18 years of age shall be engaged in hazardous work.
Life-saving equipment must be available at sites where there is a risk of drowning.
All machinery and support equipment must comply with prescribed safety standards.
Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure immediate corrective measures and provide valid explanations for any delays in compliance.


Traffic Management Plan Made Compulsory
All worksites must implement a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan, including:
Advance warning systems
Directional signage
Proper barricading
Speed control measures


The corporation has further directed that no manhole or pit be left open under any circumstances. Damaged covers must be replaced on the same day. Monthly safety certification from concerned officials has also been made mandatory.


Warning of Disciplinary Action
The circular clearly warns that officials failing to comply with these directives will face disciplinary action. Emphasizing that public safety is paramount, the MCD stated that negligence in civic works will attract strict accountability.
The latest directive signals the civic body’s intent to tighten oversight and prevent further tragedies linked to construction-related lapses in the capital.