Delhi Police’s cool mantra: Talks about social causes via fun-filled activities

From child labour to road safety and awareness against drugs, Delhiites are willingly participating in the various activities being organised by Delhi Police.

Remember Delhi Police personnel conducting talks about drink-driving or organising plays to raise awareness about drug abuse? Apart from protecting the city from crime, city cops have taken up social activities to inform people about burning issues with the motive to create an inclusive society.

Organising activities such as street plays and interacting with the youngsters, Delhi Police has been celebrating several occasions such as the International Day Against Drug Abuse.

Some time back there was an initiative, Bar Talk that united 50 bars and pubs in Delhi to put up a screen to spread anti- drinking and driving message. More recently, Delhi Police formed a human chain at the India Gate to spread awareness about child labour on World Day Against Child Labour that falls on June 12.

“These activities are a part of the community policing initiatives. Police force cannot work without public support. To serve them better, we need to take the community in confidence. It can’t be a one way approach. We have organised activities, such as, nukkad nataks (street plays) so that they become a part of it and carry a message back home,” says Madhur Verma, DCP (Crime) and PRO of Delhi Police.

Delhi Police along with Border Security Force and the NGO, CRY formed a human chain against child labour at India Gate. (Amal KS/ HT Photo)

Such camps motivate the youth to refrain from the curse of drugs and should be organised regularly Romil Baaniya, DCP, South-East

In another initiative, Delhi Police organised road and indoor activities on drug abuse. They helped in displaying anti-drug hoardings and distributed educative handouts among youth. “On international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, officers interacted with students and parent to increase awareness. In the past, we have apprehended many criminals who were unaware of the impact of the addiction. Such camps motivate the youth to refrain from the curse of drugs and should be organised regularly,” says Romil Baaniya, DCP (South-East).

Similarly, Jatin Narwal, DCP (North), along with his team had identified 24 children who were addicted to intoxicating substances and provided them with rehabilitation. He says, “Delhi Police has taken initiatives to reach out to public on issues that can lead to better policing and right channelling of the youth.”

Bollywood actor Siddharth Malhotra roped in to support the cause of road safety. (Manoj Verma/ HT Photo)

The security and welfare of senior citizens has also been the focus of Delhi Police. While regularly monitoring the well-being of the aged residents of their area, especially on those who live alone, police organised Senior Citizen Abuse Awareness Day last week that was a welcoming initiative. ““Senior citizens are our priority. We have to ensure their security, safety and well being. We are regularly in touch with them through Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and appreciate their feedback on all channels, including online,” says Vijay Kumar, DCP (West), who visited the Senior Citizen Welfare Association of Bali Nagar during an awareness drive.

The issues are not new but we have found a better way to address them. AK Singh, DCP Traffic

Even the Traffic Police of Delhi has left no stone unturned to make Dellhiites part of the drive. Roping in actor Sidharth Malhotra, they organised a road safety campaign at the India Gate to promote anti-drink-driving and anti-stunt riding among youngsters. AK Singh, DCP Traffic (Central Range), says, “The issues are not new but we have found a better way to address them. With just hoardings and banners nothing will change.Regular activities like these will surely make a difference.”