New Delhi | RBN News
The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) have issued stringent safety directives to all engineers and field officers following the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist who fell into an open pit on a Delhi road.
The fatal accident occurred in West Delhi’s Janakpuri area, where a deep pit had been dug by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) as part of a sewer line installation project. The victim, identified as Kamal Dhyani, was found dead early Friday morning at the bottom of the pit, covered in mud, with his motorcycle lying nearby.
Administration Flags Safety Lapses
In a fresh order issued on Friday, Additional Chief Secretary (PWD) Naveen Kumar Chaudhary described the incident as a stark reminder of inadequate safety practices by agencies executing public works.
“The fatal road accident in which a motorcyclist lost his life by falling into a pit dug for repair work highlights the lack of safety norms being followed by various executing authorities,” the order stated.
He added that strict adherence to prescribed safety guidelines—both in letter and spirit—could prevent such tragedies and help safeguard human lives.
Mandatory Safety Measures Ordered
The directives, issued to chief engineers of PWD and I&FC, mandate that all construction, repair, and maintenance work on or near roads must include:
- Proper barricading of work sites
- Clearly visible warning signboards and diversion signage
- Use of reflective tapes and lights, especially at night
- Immediate safety measures near roadside drains to prevent vehicles or pedestrians from falling in
Engineers have also been instructed to install permanent walls or temporary crash barriers at vulnerable locations within 24 hours, particularly along open drains and excavation zones.
For building construction and manual cleaning of drains, the order emphasises compulsory use of protective gear, including helmets, boots, safety nets, and other prescribed equipment.
Warning of Strict Accountability
Issuing a stern warning, the Additional Chief Secretary said that any negligence or casual approach leading to an accident would invite serious disciplinary action against the concerned officials, including Chief Engineers, Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and Junior Engineers.
Inquiry and Suspensions
Following the incident, the Delhi government ordered a formal inquiry to fix responsibility. Three officials associated with the project—a junior engineer, an assistant engineer, and an executive engineer—have been suspended pending investigation.
Officials said the aim of the crackdown is to enforce accountability and ensure that safety protocols are non-negotiable in all public infrastructure projects across the capital.
