DU Raises Student Safety Concerns Over Dark Spots And Obscene Flashing, Urges LG Action

Dark stretches outside campuses, allegations of obscene flashing and concerns about unsafe parks were among the safety issues raised by principals of Delhi University’s women’s colleges during a meeting with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday. The meeting brought together representatives of 10 women’s colleges along with senior officials from Delhi Police, the Transport Department, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Public Works Department. The discussions focused on concerns faced by students while travelling to and from college, particularly in areas with inadequate lighting, poor connectivity and limited police presence. Following the meeting, authorities directed increased patrolling around colleges, Metro stations and isolated stretches, especially during morning and evening hours.

Principals also highlighted problems around college gates, including e-rickshaws and autos crowding entrances, vehicles obstructing footpaths and difficulties with last-mile connectivity. Inadequate lighting along routes regularly used by students was another concern raised during the meeting. Unsafe parks, public spaces and poorly monitored areas around campuses were also discussed. The issues come amid wider concerns raised by DU students about dark roads, inadequate police deployment, streetlights and transport access around some campuses. Students at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, for instance, had earlier raised concerns about dark stretches, vehicles occupying footpaths and the availability of police response facilities near the campus.

Police have been asked to strengthen patrolling around women's colleges, Metro stations and isolated stretches where students may be particularly vulnerable, with additional attention during peak commuting hours. Each college will also have a nodal police officer who will coordinate with the institution on complaints involving harassment and other safety-related issues. The proposed arrangement is intended to provide colleges with a direct point of contact within the police force so that complaints and concerns can be communicated and followed up more efficiently. The directions form part of a broader effort involving multiple government agencies rather than relying solely on college administrations or campus security personnel.

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The meeting also discussed measures related to surveillance and emergency response. Authorities have been directed to examine lighting gaps and strengthen security infrastructure in areas used by students. Public transport stops and routes connecting campuses with nearby residential areas were also part of the broader safety discussion. The concerns raised by college principals reflect the fact that student safety extends beyond campus boundaries, particularly for those who commute through public roads, parks, Metro stations and other shared spaces. Improving these areas requires coordination between police, civic agencies, transport authorities and departments responsible for roads and public infrastructure.

The discussions follow a series of student concerns and protests over women’s safety in Delhi. Delhi University students have recently held demonstrations seeking stronger security measures after an alleged gangrape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in South Delhi. Students have spoken about dark roads, limited police presence, unsafe commuting routes and a lack of adequate infrastructure around campuses. At one demonstration, students from several DU colleges called for better safety measures and said concerns extended beyond individual institutions to the wider public spaces they use while travelling. The recent protests have added pressure for authorities to address practical issues such as lighting, patrols, transport access and communication mechanisms.

A student safety app is also planned as part of the measures discussed with the Lieutenant Governor, providing another mechanism through which students could report concerns and seek assistance. The authorities are also expected to coordinate on issues involving streetlights, CCTV coverage, transport access and police deployment around campuses. For colleges, the creation of nodal police officers could provide a more direct channel for reporting recurring problems, while improved lighting and patrols could address concerns in areas outside institutional boundaries. The meeting therefore placed emphasis on coordinated action across agencies to address the physical and security-related conditions affecting students during their daily commute.

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