The orders came in the wake of Kamal Dhyani’s death on February 6, after his motorcycle fell into a pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board.
| Photo Credit: file photo
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Tuesday issued a circular underlining that compliance with safety codes, including fencing excavated sites, keeping life-saving equipment ready to address the risk of drowning, and installing reflective signage, is binding on all contractors. It also sought compliance reports within three days from all zones and departments and held Zonal Deputy Commissioners and department heads directly responsible for enforcement in their respective jurisdictions.
A day earlier, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a similar order, directing inspections of all flyovers, underpasses, drains and streetlights, as well as all sites where repair work is under way, and ensuring adequate safety measures. Both agencies have warned of strict disciplinary action against officials who fail to enforce compliance.
The orders come in the wake of a memorandum issued by Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma on February 7, a day after 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani died in Janakpuri when his motorcycle fell into a pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board, outlining an eight-point safety framework to be followed without exception at all construction, repair, and maintenance work sites involving excavation work.
‘Protocols not followed’
In its circular on Tuesday, the MCD stated, “It has been observed that safety protocols at construction and maintenance sites are not being followed uniformly, thereby endangering public life, pedestrians, vulnerable road users and construction workers.”
A senior civic official said that all junior engineers and sanitary inspectors have been asked to adhere to a circular issued in September 2006, holding them responsible for ensuring that no manhole or pit remains uncovered and for replacing damaged covers immediately.
“The MCD is also in the process of conducting inspections and preparing a review report. While major excavation or digging of roads by the MCD is rare, we are responsible for the upkeep of open drains and small pits for which fresh directions for regular inspections have been issued,” said the official.
On Monday, the PWD ordered an intensification of night-time inspections at accident-prone locations and immediate repairs of faulty streetlights, damaged drain covers and crash barriers.
Published – February 11, 2026 12:24 am IST
