By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Thursday took serious cognisance of a late-night accident at Joginder Singh Marg in Janakpuri, where long-pending sewer line work exposed major safety lapses at the site.
A preliminary inspection revealed that a massive excavation pit—around 6 metres long, 4 metres wide and over 4 metres deep—had been dug as part of the sewer project. While partial barricading was in place, officials found that safety measures did not meet prescribed norms, with two-wheeler traffic still moving dangerously close to the excavation.
The incident has raised sharp questions over enforcement, especially as detailed safety advisories had already been issued by the Delhi Jal Board on January 24, following a similar mishap in Noida. The Public Works Department and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department had also circulated parallel instructions mandating strict barricading, signage and public protection. Officials now admit that on-ground monitoring failed to match these directives.
Taking stern action, Minister Singh ordered the immediate suspension of three officials for supervisory lapses:
- Executive Engineer (EE)
- Assistant Engineer (AE)
- Junior Engineer (JE)
The contractor executing the sewer work has been placed under investigation, with authorities warning that violations could lead to strict action, including blacklisting.
Delhi Police have meanwhile registered an FIR and launched an independent probe to examine negligence and fix legal responsibility.
To ensure accountability, the Delhi Jal Board has constituted a high-level inquiry committee tasked with identifying procedural failures and recommending corrective measures to prevent future incidents.
Expressing grief over the incident, the Minister said the tragedy had caused “deep pain” to the affected family and assured them of the government’s support. “Public safety is paramount. Any failure to follow established safety standards will invite strict administrative and contractual action,” he said.
The Minister has also directed a comprehensive safety audit of all ongoing sewer, road and flood control projects across Delhi, with a focus on barricading norms, warning signage and public safety compliance.
The Delhi government reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and citizen safety in all infrastructure works across the capital.
