Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to initiate an urgent cleanliness campaign in northeast Delhi, which lacks basic amenities and sanitation services, said officials from Raj Niwas on Thursday.
Lt. Governor Saxena visited Burari in northeast Delhi on Wednesday, where he noted the absence of basic civic facilities in colonies such as Sant Nagar, Nathu Pura, Burari village, Baba Colony, and Laxmi Vihar, they mentioned.
During the visit, officials briefed the LG that only 70% of the area had access to Delhi Jal Board sewage lines, and connections to households were pending, they added.
Furthermore, only 17 out of 80 colonies had roads constructed, and the main road leading to the area from Outer Ring Road, lined with showrooms of top brands, was in a “pathetic” condition due to neglect and disrepair, they explained.
They noted that streets were filled with dust, drains were clogged with overflowing dirty water, and garbage from the area was being disposed of on the Yamuna floodplain.
Locals informed the LG that future requirements of the area were not considered when laying sewer lines on the main road. Moreover, the delay in laying these lines, which entailed open excavated roads, led to persistent traffic congestion, dust, and debris on sidewalks.
“The LG was visibly upset over the state of roads throughout his route, overflowing sewers, heaps of garbage, broken pavements, and dividers in the area. He was anguished that such apathy on the part of the government agencies had led to pitiable living conditions in one of the most densely populated areas of the city,” a Raj Niwas official stated.
Accompanied by the Principal Secretary of PWD, CEO of DJB, and Commissioner of MCD, the LG directed them to take immediate steps to ensure sanitation and cleanliness in the area, the officials concluded.
(with PTI inputs)