New Delhi, Feb 7 (.) Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Saturday conducted a joint inspection at the Janakpuri accident site, where a biker lost his life after falling into a pit dug for Delhi Jal Board (DJB) work on Thursday night.
Sood visited the spot along with senior officials of PWD, Delhi Jal Board, Traffic Police, Revenue Department and MCD to review the causes of the incident and to ensure corrective and safety measures to prevent such accidents in future.
Calling the incident serious and disturbing, the Minister said it was not just an accident but a matter of administrative accountability. “The safety of Delhi’s citizens is our top priority. Negligence at any level will not be tolerated,” he said.
He said a detailed technical and administrative inquiry has been ordered. Strict action will be taken against any officer, agency or contractor found directly or indirectly responsible. A comprehensive safety audit of infrastructure in the Janakpuri area will also be conducted.
Sood said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made it clear that there will be zero compromise on public safety. Following her intervention, a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted, and officials found prima facie negligent have been suspended with immediate effect.
The minister said FIRs have been registered against the Delhi Jal Board and the concerned contractor through the Delhi Police. Legal proceedings are underway, and action for the contractor’s arrest is also being initiated. He added that if any DJB official is found involved during the investigation, strict legal action will follow.
Describing the incident as deeply tragic, Sood said that while the loss of a young life cannot be reversed, the government will ensure that those responsible are not spared. He added that the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation.
Sood directed PWD, DJB and MCD officials to ensure strict safety measures at all construction sites in Janakpuri, including deployment of traffic marshals, proper lighting at night, reflectors near barricades, and written permission from local police before starting any work.
He also noted that the accident occurred on a busy road connecting Vikaspuri and nearby areas. To minimise inconvenience to the public, a joint inspection was carried out by Delhi Police, Traffic Police, MCD, DJB and PWD, and two-way traffic has been allowed on a single carriageway with immediate effect.
The Minister said DJB had already issued a safety and monitoring circular to all departments on January 24. He added that he will also formally write to MCD and other agencies to ensure accountability.
Sood clarified that the police investigation is independent, and based on its findings, named complaints will be filed and arrests made.
He reiterated that the government will take all necessary steps to prevent such negligence in future.
. PKJ RB 1929