NARI 2025: Dehradun Among Most Unsafe Cities For Women; Infrastructure, Night Safety Raise Concerns

The capital city of Dehradun has been listed among the most unsafe cities for women in India, according to the National Annual Report and Index (NARI) 2025 released by the National Commission for Women (NCW). Out of 31 cities surveyed, Dehradun scored 60.6 per cent, below the national average of 64.6 per cent, placing it alongside cities like Raipur, Chennai, and Shillong. In contrast, nearby Shimla ranked 11th, while Kohima in Nagaland emerged as the safest city with a score of 82.9 per cent.

The report revealed that only 50 per cent of women in Dehradun feel safe, compared to 60 per cent nationally. During the day, 70 per cent of women reported feeling safe, but this drops to 44 per cent at night. About 33 per cent remained neutral, while 14 per cent considered the city unsafe after dark.

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Only 24 per cent of women consider Dehradun’s women-friendly infrastructure safe, while 45 per cent were neutral. Trust in the police was relatively higher, with 59 per cent expressing confidence. Public transport emerged as the area with the highest harassment, with 50 per cent of women reporting verbal abuse, followed by harassment in neighbourhoods (19 per cent) and workplaces (13 per cent). Alarmingly, 40 per cent of women remained silent after harassment, while only 26 per cent reported it to authorities.

Among reasons for insecurity, 26 per cent cited the local population, 18 per cent pointed to the crime rate, and 11 per cent mentioned deserted places. For safety, 54 per cent relied on trust in the community, 33 per cent on police patrols, and 18 per cent on a low crime rate. Women suggested measures such as increased police presence (45 per cent), improved street lights and CCTV (39 per cent), and self-defence training (21 per cent).

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Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh stated that the Dehradun police are actively working to enhance women’s safety. Measures include checkpoints staffed by female officers, female patrol teams, verification drives for outsiders entering the city, and ensuring prompt action on complaints.